Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei Dead in Fire Incident Caused by Ex-boyfriend – Who Is He?
Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei was doused in gasoline and set on fire by her ex-boyfriend mere weeks after competing at the Olympic Games.
Cheptegei, 33, had just returned from competing in Paris and on September 5, she died in hospital where she was being treated for burns covering 80% of her body.
Her former partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, died days later from burns caused by the same gas that killed the long-distance athlete.
After finishing 44th in the women’s marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Uganda’s Rebecca Cheptegei returned to her home in Kenya, close to training centers for elite athletes.
But the long-distance runner, who lived in Kenya but competed for Uganda, was no longer safe at her home.
Local police allege the 33-year-old mother of two became involved in a dispute with her former partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, over the land she purchased in western Trans Nzoia County.
Following the fallout, media reports that Marangach ambushed his former girlfriend in her house after she returned home from church with her children (12 and 13), and it’s believed he snuck into her home with a five-litre jerry can (fuel container) of gasoline.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom said that on September 1, Marangach poured the gasoline on Cheptegei and set her ablaze during the disagreement.
One of her daughters witnessed the horrifying attack and desperately tried to help her mom.
“He kicked me while I tried to run to the rescue of my mother,” the unnamed girl tells Kenya’s The Standard (through Metro).
“I immediately cried out for help, attracting a neighbour who tried to extinguish the flames with water, but it was not possible,” she adds.
Cheptegei was taken to a Kenyan hospital where she treated after 80% of was burned.
She died on September 5.
“There were severe burns on a significant portion on her body. These led to multi-organ failure, so we had kidney failure, cardiovascular failure, so most of her systems failed following the burns,” a doctor at the hospital explained in an interview with Africa News.
‘Sunny smile’
Her family shared a touching Instagram announcement, letting Cheptegei’s fans know she lost her battle.
“Rebecca sadly died today in the morning hours while undergoing treatment at the hospital. She really fought and tried to be strong and finally took her last breaths surrounded by her children and family,” her family writes. “Words can’t describe how much we’ll miss her. She lit up every room with her sunny smile and always knew how to make people laugh. We know that [Rebecca] touched many lives, and we’re devastated to have to break this news. She was well-loved and will be missed by many.”
Messages of deevestation flooded the internet with loved ones expressing their grief over Cheptegei’s death.
Rebecca’s death not only devastated her family but also sparked outrage within the community and beyond, with
On X, Uganda Athletics Federation offered its thoughts and also condemned domestic violence.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence…May her soul rest in peace.”
“This is heartbreaking. Even more heartbreaking that it’s not the first time the athletics community has lost such an incredible female athlete to domestic violence. It needs to stop! RIP Rebecca,” writes fellow long-distance runner Eilish McColgan.
‘Died because of his actions’
Meanwhile, Marangach was at the same hospital, being treated for his own burn injuries following his assault on Cheptegei.
Philip Kirwa, CEO of the hospital where the two were treated, said Marangach suffered over 41% burns after the gasoline he used to kill his ex, splashed on him.
And on September 9, “He developed respiratory failure as a result of the severe airway burns and sepsis that led to his eventual death.”
Cheptegei’s father, Joseph – who earlier called the suspect an “animal” – told Reuters
“This guy is dead because he killed my daughter. He has died because of his actions.”
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