The marathon runner, whose ex-boyfriend poured gasoline on and set on fire, lost his life.

Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, lost her life as a result of a horrific attack organized by her ex-boyfriend. The incident took place in the town of Endebess, Kenya.

According to local police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom, Cheptegei's ex-boyfriend secretly entered the house while the athlete and their children were at church. During the argument that occurred when the couple returned home, the man poured gasoline on Cheptegei and set her on fire. The attacker also suffered burns during this time.

Cheptegei, whose body was covered with 75% burns, remained in intensive care for days at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Western Kenya. However, despite all efforts, she could not be saved.

The Uganda Athletics Federation described Cheptegei's death as "a tragic result of domestic violence" and called for justice.

Joseph, Cheptegei's father, stated in an interview with the local media that his daughter and her ex-boyfriend had a dispute over land before the attack. It was learned that the athlete bought land in the area and built a house to be close to training facilities in Kenya.

Cheptegei's death, who finished the marathon race in 44th place at the 2024 Paris Olympics, caused great sadness in the sports community and on social media. The police have launched an investigation into the incident.

This tragic event once again highlights that domestic violence and violence against women are societal issues.