Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei dies from burn attack injuries

Sept. 5 (UPI) -- Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei died of burn injuries after allegedly being set on fire by her ex-boyfriend Sunday.

Cheptegei had sustained 80% total body surface area burns in the attack and her family on Thursday called for justice and legal action against her alleged attacker.

Her family Thursday called for justice and

"I have a lot of grief because I've lost my daughter. I seek your help so that this person who has killed my daughter can be prosecuted," Cheptegei's father Joseph Cheptegei told reporters.

Police are investigating her death.

"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 Uganda Athletics Federation said in an X statement Thursday.

Cheptegei was attacked at her home Sunday as she was returning from church with her two children.

"The couple were heard quarreling outside their house in the small town of Endebess. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her," Local police chief Jeremiah Ole Kosiom told reporters .

Cheptegei was a marathon runner who competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Violent attacks against women are a major concern in Kenya, with at least 34% of women reporting they had experienced physical violence.

"This tragedy is a stark reminder of the urgent need to combat gender-based violence , which has increasingly affected even elite sports," Kenya Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said.

"We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei OLY following a vicious attack by her boyfriend," Uganda's Olympic Committee's Donald Rukare said on X. "May her gentle soul rest in peace and we strongly condemn violence against women. This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure."