In a shocking turn of events, tragedy struck the Ugandan Olympic team as Rebecca Cheptegei, a talented marathon runner, was fatally burned by her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema Marangach. The incident occurred during a heated dispute over land, resulting in the devastating loss of two lives.

According to a report from Reuters, Marangach allegedly poured gasoline on Cheptegei, igniting a fire that engulfed her body. The horrifying altercation left her with burns covering more than 75% of her body. Despite receiving immediate medical attention, Cheptegei succumbed to organ failure just days later.

Marangach, having also suffered burns during the incident, tragically experienced fatal respiratory failure due to the severity of his injuries. He burned over 40% of his body, including his airways, leading to his untimely demise.

The father of the late athlete, Joseph Cheptegei, spoke out about Marangach's death, stating, "This guy is dead because he killed my daughter. He has died because of his actions." The heartbreaking incident has prompted widespread condemnation and calls for justice.

Rebecca Cheptegei had recently competed in the women's marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she finished in 44th place. The news of her passing reverberated throughout the sports community, prompting the Uganda Athletics Federation to release a statement denouncing domestic violence and advocating for an end to such acts.

"We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, who tragically fell victim to domestic violence," expressed the Uganda Athletics Federation in a statement. "As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace."

Cheptegei had been residing in Kenya at the time of her death. Team Kenya also issued a statement, mourning the loss of the talented athlete and condemning gender-based violence. The statement emphasized the need to honor Cheptegei's legacy by advocating for an end to these heinous acts.

Kenya has witnessed several instances of lethal violence against elite female athletes in recent years. This tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need to address and combat gender-based violence, both within the sporting community and society at large.

The loss of Rebecca Cheptegei has left a profound void in the Olympic and athletics world. As her family, friends, and the entire sporting community mourn her untimely demise, the focus now shifts towards holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring that no more lives are lost to the scourge of domestic violence.