The man accused of setting fire to Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei has also died after suffering burns in the attack.
A spokesperson for Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, located in Eldoret in western Kenya, confirmed that Cheptegei’s former boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, passed away at 7:50 p.m. local time on Monday (September 9).
“He died from his injuries, the burns he sustained,” Lang’at told Reuters.
Marangach’s death follows the passing of Cheptegei on September 5, who suffered burns to 75 percent of her body.
Marangach was alleged to have poured petrol on Cheptegei when she returned home from church with her two daughters.
He then reportedly set her on fire, also sustaining burns himself in the process.
Jeremiah Ole Kosiom, the Trans Nzoia County Police Commander, stated that Marangach and Cheptegei were ‘heard quarrelling outside their house’ before the incident occurred.
“During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her,” he said.
“The suspect was also caught by the fire and sustained serious burns.”
Cheptegei was rushed to the hospital but was sadly pronounced dead a short time later.
The Ugandan Athletics Federation announced her death on Twitter, stating: “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.”
Cheptegei had competed in the Paris Olympics just weeks before her death, finishing 44th in the marathon event.
Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee, referred to Cheptegei as a source of ‘inspiration’ for viewers of the Olympics.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn about Rebecca Cheptegei’s death following the horrible attack against her,” he said in a statement.
“Rebecca’s participation in the Paris 2024 women’s marathon was a source of inspiration, pride and joy.”
Viola Cheptoo, co-founder of Tirop’s Angels, a support group for survivors of domestic violence within Kenya’s athletic community, expressed that Marangach’s death is ‘not positive news whatsoever.’
“Justice really would have been for him to sit in jail and think about what he had done,” she said.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence 24 hours a day to the national domestic violence helpline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233). You can find a list of local resources here.