Olympics Jan 22, 2026

Rebecca Cheptegei: Man accused of fatally burning Olympian dies in hospital

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Rebecca Cheptegei: Man accused of fatally burning Olympian dies in hospital

The man accused of fatally burning a Ugandan Olympian has also died.

Rebecca Cheptegei after she was left severely injured following an alleged dispute in Kenya over land.

Dickson Ndiema, her alleged attacker and former partner, died on Monday night at the intensive care unit where he had been admitted after also suffering injuries in the attack.

It was at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, the same facility where Cheptegei was treated.

Cheptegei suffered burns to 80 per cent of her body, while Ndiema reportedly suffered over 30 per cent burns.

He was accused of buying a can of petrol, pouring it on her and setting her on fire during a disagreement.

Ms Cheptegei's parents told Kenyan news outlet The Star their daughter bought land in Trans Nzoia to be near the country's many athletic training centres.

A report filed by the local chief says the couple were heard fighting over the land where the house was built, before the fire started.

Ms Cheptegei recently competed in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she finished 44th.

The president of the International Olympic Committee said her participation had been a source of "inspiration".

"We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn about Rebecca Cheptegei's death following the horrible attack against her. Rebecca's participation in the Paris 2024 women's marathon was a source of inspiration, pride and joy," Thomas Bach said.

The Ugandan Athletics Federation also paid tribute to Cheptegei in a message on X and described their shock at her death, saying: "As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace."

Donald Rukare, Uganda's Olympic Committee chief, added: "This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure."

Cheptegei also finished 14th in the marathon at the 2023 World Championships.

Tags:

olympics news

Share this article

Related Posts

Sky announces new partnership with Team GB and ParalympicsGB for 2026 Milan Cortina and 2028 Los Angeles Games

Sky announces new partnership with Team GB and ParalympicsGB for 2026 Milan Cortina and 2028 Los Angeles Games

Sky has announced a new partnership with Team GB and ParalympicsGB, reinforcing its commitment to British sport, and bringing the country together aro...

Snoop Dogg: Rapper named honorary Team USA coach for 2026 Winter Olympics

Snoop Dogg: Rapper named honorary Team USA coach for 2026 Winter Olympics

Snoop Dogg has been appointed Team USA's first-ever honorary coach for the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games at Milano Cortina.The United State...

Skeleton: Canada facing investigation amid claims 2026 Winter Olympics skeleton qualifier was sabotaged

Skeleton: Canada facing investigation amid claims 2026 Winter Olympics skeleton qualifier was sabotaged

Canada has launched a robust defence against accusations it deliberately withdrew four athletes from a skeleton race, a move that dashed eventual winn...

Olympics 2024 LIVE! News, updates from Paris, today's events and latest results

Olympics 2024 LIVE! News, updates from Paris, today's events and latest results

Papers: Palmer keen on potential Man Utd transferCvancara loan to Celtic will include buy optionLatest from Your Site News' Florian Plettenberg and An...

Olympics 2024: Great Britain's Toby Roberts wins climbing gold; Katarina Johnson-Thompson settles for silver

Olympics 2024: Great Britain's Toby Roberts wins climbing gold; Katarina Johnson-Thompson settles for silver

Teenage sport climber Toby Roberts won Great Britain's 14th gold of the Paris 2024 Olympics after victory in the men's boulder and lead competition.Ro...

Olympics 2024: Paris schedule, latest results, today's events and start times, Team GB medal hopes

Olympics 2024: Paris schedule, latest results, today's events and start times, Team GB medal hopes

There are 13 gold medals up for grabs on Sunday at the Paris Olympics. We look at where those medals will be won and which Brits will be in action.Kee...