Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically passed away after being doused in petrol and set on fire by her ex-boyfriend. The 33-year-old Olympian, who recently competed in the Paris Olympics, suffered severe burns during the attack, which occurred after she returned home from church in north-west Kenya.

Authorities report the attack stemmed from a dispute over land between Cheptegei and her former partner. Despite efforts to save her, Cheptegei died from multiple organ failure. Her death has raised concerns about the increasing violence against female athletes in Kenya, with Cheptegei being the third athlete killed since 2021.

Uganda’s athletics federation and her family are calling for justice, as the investigation continues.