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10th Sep 2024

Man accused of burning Paris 2024 Olympian in petrol attack dies in hospital

Zoe Hodges

Rebecca Cheptegei died last Thursday

The man accused of fatally burning Ugandan Olympian, Rebecca Cheptegei, has died in hospital.

Cheptegei died last Thursday after she was severely injured following an alleged dispute with her ex-partner Dickson Ndiema over land in Kenya.

Ndiema died on Monday night at the intensive care unit where he had been admitted after also suffering injuries in the attack.

He was accused of buying a can of petrol, pouring it on her and setting her on fire during a disagreement.

Cheptegei suffered burns to 80 per cent of her body while Ndiema suffered 30 per cent burns.

The 33-year-old competed in the marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics where she finished 44th.

Following her death, president of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach said: “We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn about Rebecca Cheptegei’s death following the horrible attack against her. Rebecca’s participation in the Paris 2024 women’s marathon was a source of inspiration, pride and joy.”

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