SHOCKING: Paris Olympics Athlete Dies After Being Set on Fire by Former Boyfriend

The sports world has been rocked by the tragic death of Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who passed away after being set on fire by her former boyfriend. The 33-year-old athlete, who recently competed in the Paris Olympics , succumbed to severe burns she sustained in the horrifying attack last Sunday.

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Rebecca Cheptegei dies after tragic incident

Rebecca Cheptegei, a celebrated long-distance runner, had been doused in petrol and set alight by her ex-partner during an alleged dispute over land. The attack, which took place in Trans Nzoia county, Kenya, left the athlete fighting for her life, but despite medical efforts, she tragically passed away due to the extent of her injuries.

According to reports filed by local authorities, the altercation between Rebecca Cheptegei and her former boyfriend stemmed from a disagreement over a plot of land she had purchased in the region. Cheptegei had built a home in Trans Nzoia to be closer to Kenya's elite athletics training centers, a move that aligned with her commitment to improving her performance and continuing her athletics career at the highest level.

A local administrator who filed the initial report stated that tensions had been brewing between Cheptegei and her ex-partner over the property for some time. While the precise details of the dispute remain unclear, the escalating conflict resulted in the horrifying attack that has now claimed the life of the talented athlete. The reports also claim that Cheptegei's former partner also suffered injuries in the attack and is currently admitted to a hospital with burns over 30 percent.

Ugandan and Kenyan authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. The former boyfriend is currently being sought by police, and authorities are treating the case with urgency due to the violent nature of the crime and its high-profile victim.

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Uganda Olympic Committee President Donald Rukare called the attack “a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete.”

Kenya’s Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said that the government would ensure justice for the victim.

“This tragedy is a stark reminder that we must do more to combat gender-based violence in our society, which in recent years has reared its ugly head in elite sporting circles,” he wrote in a statement.

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said, “Rebecca’s participation in the Paris 2024 women’s marathon was a source of inspiration, pride and joy.”

(With AP inputs)