Paris honors Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei, whose tragic death raises global domestic violence awareness
A Ugandan Olympic runner, Rebecca Cheptegei, has been honoured in memorial by Paris following her tragic death in an alleged domestic violence incident.
Cheptegei, a prominent figure in athletics, reportedly died after being set on fire by her boyfriend in Uganda.
The 33-year-old Olympic Runner, residing in Kenya, according to the Kenyan Olympic Team X’s post, had been in a life-threatening condition after sustaining severe burns during an attack by her boyfriend at her home in Trans Nzoia district.
The burns, which led to her death, had covered about 75% of her body during the attack last Sunday.
Paris honors Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei after her tragic death.
A memorial service in Paris, where Cheptegei had garnered a strong following, saw fellow athletes and supporters gather to honor her life, contribution to the world of athletes, and achievements.
Scores of attendees, who reflected on her contributions to the sport, including Marcel Hug, who won his third consecutive T54 marathon gold medal, expressed deep sadness at the circumstances of her death, urging authorities to send “message out against violence” and ensure justice is served.
“It’s terrible, and we should really try to avoid violence like this,” Hug was quoted as telling Olympics.com.
“I didn’t personally know her, but she was a good person, and it’s so sad. It’s a good opportunity to think of her here at the Paralympics. We should send a message out against violence like this.”
“I don’t really have the words for it. We should not take it for granted what we can do here.”
Cheptegei is the third female athlete to die in a domestic violence in Kenya in the last three years, CNN analyst gathered.
The elite female Olympic runner, according to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, suffered multi-organ failure Wednesday before she was later declared dead on September 5, 2024.
Other Athletes who died in domestic violence like Cheptegei
In a similar manner, 25-year-old Kenyan Olympic runner Agnes Tirop, in 2021 was found dead in her home with fatal stab wounds in her neck.
Ibrahim Rotich, her husband, was charged with murder following accusations from Kenyan prosecutors that he was responsible for her death.
A few months later, another Kenyan athlete, 28-year-old Damaris Mutua, was discovered strangled, with a pillow covering her face, in a residential home.
Earlier that month, Mutua had secured third place in a half marathon held in Angola. Authorities identified her boyfriend as the primary suspect in her death.
The News Summaries:
- Paris honors Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei, killed in domestic violence incident.
- Athletes gather in Paris to remember Rebecca Cheptegei’s legacy and call for justice.
- Rebecca Cheptegei’s death provokes global conversation, reminding authorities the need to seek effective lasting solutions to domestic violence.
- Paris memorializes Ugandan runner Rebecca Cheptegei after alleged fatal assault by her boyfriend.
