Tragedy - Olympian who was set on fire by her boyfriend died

The death of the Olympic marathon runner was confirmed by the spokesperson of the hospital in Eldoret, Owen Menach.

He said Cheptegei died after all her organs failed. The athlete was sedated during her stay in the hospital. Cheptegei suffered severe burns to 80 percent of her body, inflicted by her partner Dickson Ndiema Marangach on Sunday.

He entered her house in western Kenya, waited for her to return from church with the children, doused her with gasoline and set her on fire.

According to local journalists, the attack took place at her home in Kenya after an argument the 33-year-old had with the attacker regarding a property she had bought. Rebecca's parents say their daughter bought a property in Kenya's Trans Nzoia area to live near the many athletic centers in the county.

Marangach also suffered burns and is being treated in the same hospital in intensive care. As stated, the burns covered 30 percent of his body, but he is in a stable condition.

Less than a month before the attack, Cheptegei competed at the Olympic Games in Paris and took 44th place in the marathon race.

The police report said the couple often argued over the land her house was built on.

"We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace," Uganda's athletics federation said in a post on X.

"This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure," the head of Uganda's Olympic committee Donald Rukare said on X.