Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei killed in brutal attack
Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan runner, died after being set on fire by her ex-boyfriend. According to BBC reports, it was not possible to save the athlete.
Rebecca Cheptegei participated in this year's Olympic Games in Paris, where she ran the marathon and finished 44th. Upon returning to Africa, she moved to Kenya to continue her training. None of her loved ones could have predicted what would happen in early September.
On September 2, Cheptegei was hospitalized with severe burns covering 75% of her body. Police determined that she was attacked by her ex-boyfriend, who doused her with gasoline and set her on fire. Despite the immediate battle for her life, on Thursday, September 5, BBC reported that Cheptegei had died.
Land dispute the reason for the tragedy
British journalists, citing a report from the local administration, reported that Cheptegei and her ex-boyfriend were arguing over a piece of land. The athlete's former partner also ended up in the hospital, but his injuries were not as severe as those sustained by Cheptegei, and his life was not in danger.
A report filed by a local administrator said the two had been wrangling over the piece of land. Police say an investigation is under way, reported the British journalists.
Cheptegei's sports career
Rebecca Cheptegei had been competing in marathons for over a decade. Among her achievements was a victory in a race in Padua and numerous podium finishes. Her best time in the marathon distance was 2:22:47.
