Rebecca Cheptegei cause of death revealed after horrific attack on Olympic runner

Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei died at 5am on Wednesday morning after organ failure.

The 33-year-old, who recently competed at the Paris Olympics, passed away, four days after she was allegedly set on fire by her former boyfriend. Police have named him as Dickson Ndiema.

Cheptegei had been in an intensive care unit since Sunday after suffering burns to more than 80 per cent of her body. The horrific attack occurred in Kenya shortly after her return from Paris .

Dr Owen Menach, who oversaw Cheptegei's treatment in the Intensive Care Unit of the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, issued a statement shortly after her passing. Menach said: "It is sad that we lost the patient early this morning after all organs failed at about 5am while we were doing our best to save her life."

Dr Tony Sabila, a family member, was by Cheptegei's bedside at the time of her death. He said: “It is true that we lost our sister this morning although the doctors tried to save her life and I was there personally.” Her father, Mzee Joseph Cheptegei, has also spoken out following her passing, paying tribute to his late daughter.

"I have lost a daughter who has been helping in many ways," he said, via The Star. "We have children in secondary schools and I don't know how we are going to cope with this challenge to ensure they complete their studies."

British long-distance runner Eilish McColgan who competed in the 10,000m in Paris, wrote on X: “This is heartbreaking. Even more heartbreaking that it’s not the first time the athletics community has lost such an incredible female athlete to domestic violence. It needs to stop! RIP Rebecca.”

Ndiema allegedly poured petrol from a can on Cheptegei and set her ablaze after a disagreement. Neighbours helped to put out the fire, according to reports in Kenya, with both Cheptegei and Ndiema being rushed to hospital.

Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom said: “The couple was heard quarrelling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her. The suspect was also caught by the fire and sustained serious burns."

Police also confirmed the discovery of a five-litre jerry can, a bag and a scorched phone at the scene after the incident.

A statement from the Ugandan Athletics Federation on social media read: "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."