Rebecca Cheptegei has died in a Kenyan hospital four days after she was doused by petrol and set on fire by her ex-boyfriend.
The Olympian was being treated for being treated for burns on 80% of her body after the attack at her home on Sunday.
The 33-year-old Ugandan athlete participated in the recently concluded Paris Olympics finishing 44th position in the women’s marathon.
A spokesman at the hospital confirmed that Cheptegei died in the early hours of Thursday morning after her organs failed.
Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, told journalists at the hospital that he had lost a daughter who was “very supportive” and hoped to get justice.
“As it is now, the criminal who harmed my daughter is a murderer and I am yet to see what the security officials are doing,” the father said. “He is still free and might even flee.”
He also called on the Kenyan government to ensure justice was done. “We have lost our breadwinner,” he added and wondered how her two children, aged 12 and 13, would “proceed with their education.”
Cheptegei’s partner, Dickson Ndiema, had bought a can of gasoline, poured it on her, and set her ablaze during a disagreement over land. Ndiema was also burned and was being treated at the same hospital.
Menach said Ndiema was still in the intensive care unit with burns over 30% of his body but was “improving and stable.”
Cheptegei’s parents said their daughter bought land in Trans Nzoia to be near the county’s many athletic training centers. A report filed by the local chief said the two were heard fighting over the land where her house was built before the attack.
The Uganda Athletics Federation also reacted to the tragic news of Cheptegei’s death on X.
“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.”
Her death raises concerns about the increase in the killings of athletes by their partners in the East African country. In 2022, Kenyan-born runner, Damaris Muthee Mutua was also murdered by her partner.