Olympics Mar 13, 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

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...

IOC Presidential election: Seb Coe and Johan Eliasch among seven candidates running for most powerful post in world sport

IOC Presidential election: Seb Coe and Johan Eliasch among seven candidates running for most powerful post in world sport

For the seven who want to occupy sports' most powerful position - President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) - they will get their 15 minu...

Matty Lee: Team GB diver who won Olympic gold alongside Tom Daley announces his retirement

Matty Lee: Team GB diver who won Olympic gold alongside Tom Daley announces his retirement

Olympic champion Matty Lee - who won gold for Team GB alongside Tom Daley at the 2020 Tokyo Games - has announced his retirement from diving. Lee and...

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...

Paralympics legend Hannah Cockroft calls for pay parity with Olympians after historic eighth gold medal

Paralympics legend Hannah Cockroft calls for pay parity with Olympians after historic eighth gold medal

Hannah Cockroft has called for financial parity between Olympic and Paralympic champions following her latest historic triumph.Wheelchair racer Cockro...

Paralympics 2024: All you need to know ahead of Paris Games - events, British stars, medal hopes, athletes' village

Paralympics 2024: All you need to know ahead of Paris Games - events, British stars, medal hopes, athletes' village

We answer the key questions ahead of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.The 2024 Paralympic Games begin on August 28 and conclude on September 8.Acros...