Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei, Who Is Her Ex-Boyfriend, Caused Her to Die in a Fire?
Rebecca Cheptegei, an Olympian athlete from Uganda, was doused in gasoline and set ablaze by her former partner just a few weeks after she competed at the Olympics.
After returning from a competition in Paris, 33-year-old Cheptegei passed away on September 5th, while receiving treatment for burns that covered 80% of her body in a hospital.
Days later, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, her former lover, passed away from burns brought on by the same gas that killed the long-distance runner.
Rebecca Cheptegei, an athlete from Uganda, returned to her home in Kenya, which is near to elite athlete training facilities, after placing 44th in the women’s marathon at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
However, the Kenyan long-distance runner who represented Uganda in competition was no longer safe at home.
According to local police, the 33-year-old mother of two got into a fight with Dickson Ndiema Marangach, her ex-partner, about the property she bought in the western Trans Nzoia County.
Media accounts following the fallout state that Marangach ambushed his ex-girlfriend in her home when she came home from church with her children (ages 12 and 13). It is thought he broke into her home covertly using a five-liter gasoline jerry can (fuel container).
According to Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom, during the argument on September 1, Marangach doused Cheptegei in gasoline and lit her on fire.
After seeing the horrific attack, one of her daughters made a valiant attempt to assist her mother.
The unidentified girl said to Kenya’s The Standard (via Metro) that “he kicked me while I tried to run to the rescue of my mother.”
She continues, “I called for assistance right away, drawing the attention of a neighbor who attempted to douse the flames with water but was unable to do so.”
After 80% was burned, Cheptegei was brought to a hospital in Kenya, where she worked as a doctor.
September 5 was her death date.
An extensive area of her body was severely burned. According to a hospital physician who spoke with Africa News, “These resulted in multi-organ failure, so we had kidney failure, cardiovascular failure, and most of her systems failed following the burns.”
“Sunny smile”
Cheptegei’s supporters were informed by her family via a heartfelt Instagram post that she had lost her fight.
“Sadly, Rebecca passed away this morning in the hospital while receiving treatment. Her family notes, “She truly battled and made an effort to be strong before ultimately taking her dying breaths in the company of her kids and relatives. “There are no words to express how much we will miss her. Her bright smile filled every space, and she had a knack for making people laugh. We’re saddened to have to convey the news, but we also know that [Rebecca] affected many lives. She was adored and will be much missed.
BREAKING NEWS💔💔
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. pic.twitter.com/ZdxmZ3wDuE— UGANDA ATHLETICS FEDERATION🇺🇬🇺🇬 UAF (@UgaAthletics2) September 5, 2024
Relatives grieving over Cheptegei’s passing posted heartbreaking messages on social media.
In addition to devastating her family, Rebecca’s passing caused indignation both inside and outside the community, with
The Uganda Athletics Federation expressed its opinions on X and denounced domestic abuse.
We regret to inform you of the unfortunate death of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, who was the victim of domestic abuse early this morning.I hope her soul finds 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. 🙏 https://t.co/Z6b3InMMJe
— Eilish McColgan (@EilishMccolgan) September 5, 2024
This is really distressing. The fact that this amazing female athlete was not the first to die from domestic abuse is even more tragic for the sporting community. It must end! RIP, Rebecca,” writes Eilish McColgan, a fellow long-distance runner.
“Died as a result of his deeds”
Marangach, meantime, was receiving treatment for his own burn injuries from his attack on Cheptegei at the same hospital.
According to Philip Kirwa, CEO of the hospital where the two were treated, Marangach was doused with the gasoline he used to kill his ex, resulting in almost 41% of him being burned.
Furthermore, on September 9, “He developed respiratory failure as a result of the sepsis and severe airway burns that ultimately resulted in his death.”
Joseph, Cheptegei’s father, who had previously referred to the suspect as a “animal,” told Reuters
“This man killed my daughter, which is why he is dead. His deeds have caused his death.
Kindly express your feelings regarding this tragic tale and then forward it to your acquaintances so that together we can offer our warmest regards to this Olympian’s family.
