Rebecca Cheptegei passed away after his alleged ex-partner, Dickson NdiemaShe suffered burns to 80 percent of her body. Medical staff at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital said two days ago that they were trying everything to stabilize and save her life. Cheptegei was a 33-year-old Ugandan mother of two young children.
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The Olympic athlete died on Thursday (September 5) from organ failure. According to the Associated pressA hospital spokesperson said Rebecca was fully sedated from the moment she was admitted.
It had been less than a month since Rebecca Cheptegei represented Uganda at the Paris Olympics. She placed 44th in the women’s marathon.
Here’s What Happened to Rebecca Cheptegei
As previously reported, Rebecca’s father told reporters earlier this week that his daughter and Dickson Ndiema were just friends. He also hinted that the attack began with a dispute over Dickson wanting his land.
Witnesses confirmed that on Sunday (September 1), Ndiema doused Cheptegei with gasoline and then set her on fire in the early afternoon. Rebecca was reportedly returning from church with her two children when she encountered Dickson. It is unclear whether her children — who are not related to Dickson — witnessed the attack.
Ndiema also suffered burns to about 30 percent of his body due to the attack. Medical professionals at Moi Hospital are also treating him. He is reportedly “improving and stable.”
Father demands justice for Rebecca’s death
At this point, it is unclear whether Dickson Ndiema has been formally charged over the attack. However, the Uganda Athletics Federation is pushing for law enforcement agencies to take “swift and decisive action” against him. Its president and secretary general have released a statement responding to Rebecca’s death.
“May her gentle soul rest in peace. Together, let us stand united to say NO to violence against women,” said that statement.
Rebecca’s father is also calling for justice in the fatal incident. He spoke to reporters at the hospital on Thursday, according to the AP.
“As it stands now, the criminal who hurt my daughter is a murderer, and I am yet to see what the security officials are doing,” Joseph Cheptegei said. “He is still free and may even escape.”
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What do you think, roommates?