Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei has passed away in Kenya four days after her boyfriend set her on fire, according to Ugandan athletics officials on Thursday.
"We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei... following a vicious attack by her boyfriend," the president of the Uganda Olympic Committee Donald Rukare wrote on X. "This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure."
The Uganda Athletics Federation also announced Cheptegei's death in a statement on X.
"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," the post read.
Police reportedly say that a man identified as Cheptegei's partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, poured petrol on her and set her on fire at her home in Endebess, located in the western county of Trans-Nzoia, on Sunday.
Cheptegei sustained burns covering 80% of her body and had been fighting for her life at a Kenyan hospital since then, the acting head of the facility told reporters.
Kenyan media reported that one of Cheptegei's daughters witnessed the attack at her mother's home.
"He kicked me while I tried to run to the rescue of my mother," she was quoted as saying. "I immediately cried out for help, attracting a neighbor who tried to extinguish the flames with water, but it was not possible."
Marangach was also injured in the incident, suffering burns on 30% of his body.