News
Tragic Loss: Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei Dies After Domestic Violence Attack
Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically passed away following a brutal attack by her former boyfriend, who doused her in petrol and set her alight. The 33-year-old Ugandan athlete, who competed in the recent Paris Olympics, succumbed to her injuries after suffering extensive burns. She passed away in the early hours at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya.
Cheptegei, a beloved figure in her community, was attacked after returning home from church with her two daughters. Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed his heartbreak over the loss of his “very supportive” daughter and called on the Kenyan government to ensure justice for her death. Fellow Ugandan athlete James Kirwa remembered her for her generosity, recounting how she had supported other runners financially.
Dr. Kimani Mbugua, the consultant who treated Cheptegei, explained that despite the hospital staff’s best efforts, the severe burns led to multi-organ failure, which ultimately claimed her life. The tragedy has left her family devastated, with concerns raised about how her two young daughters, aged 12 and 13, will cope with the loss of their mother and breadwinner.
The Uganda Athletics Federation expressed its sorrow, condemning the domestic violence that led to her death and calling for justice. British Olympian Eilish McColgan also voiced her grief, highlighting the devastating impact of domestic violence in the athletics community.
Cheptegei’s ex-boyfriend, who also sustained burns, is currently in intensive care but is reported to be in stable condition. As the world mourns the loss of another talented athlete, the call for stronger action against domestic violence grows louder.
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
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