*The former boyfriend of Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, Dickson Ndiema, has died from severe burns he sustained after attacking Cheptegei by dousing her in gasoline.
Ndiema, who had over 30 percent of his body burned, passed away on September 9. Cheptegei, who was burned in the same incident, suffered injuries to nearly 80 percent of her body and died on Sept. 5,
“It’s true he has died from the [burn] injuries,” Dr. Owen Menach, who is the Director of Clinical Services and Surgery at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in the town of Eldoret, told the BBC, PEOPLE reports.
We reported earlier that Cheptegei, a distance runner who placed 44th at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was assaulted in her home in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya on Sept. 1 during a dispute with Ndiema over the land where the house was built.
Here’s a photo of Dickson Ndiema in ICU. He’s the man responsible for burning athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, He succumbed today
Aoko Lawrence Mugambi Dj Evolve Dida #RosemaryExposed Muthaigi Country Club Ryan Reynolds Murkomen Rebecca Cheptegei Kimuzi #SeoulWordConference… pic.twitter.com/0hET7vg4AA
— Mutembei TV (@MutembeiTV) September 10, 2024
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“During the altercation, Ndiema was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her,” Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom told reporters.
The Ugandan Athletics Federation confirmed in a statement on social media that Cheptegei “suffered severe injuries” in the vicious attack.
Cheptegei’s parents said she purchased land in Trans Nzoia to be close to the county’s numerous athletic training facilities. After spending several days in critical condition at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Cheptegei died from organ failure last week, CBS News reported.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence,” the Uganda Athletics Federation wrote in a statement. “As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace.”
Team Kenya also released a statement: “Her untimely and tragic passing is a profound loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time as we honor her legacy and advocate for an end to gender-based violence.”
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: Olympic Athlete Rebecca Cheptegei Dies After Being Set on Fire by Ex-Boyfriend
