NEW DELHI: A man suspected of dousing Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei with gasoline, which led to her death a few days later, has passed away from burns received in the incident, according to the Kenyan hospital where he received treatment.
Dickson Ndiema suffered burns over 30% of his body when he was brought to the Moi Referral Hospital in Eldoret City's west. It is said that Ndiema burned Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who passed away last Thursday from burns covering 80% of her body.
Owen Menach, a hospital spokesman, confirmed that the patient had passed away but said the institution will make a statement later, according to The Associated Press on Tuesday.
A complaint filed by the local chief claimed that Ndiema and Cheptegei had quarrelled over a plot of land that the athlete had purchased in Kenya.
Less than two months before to the incident, Cheptegei was a competitor in the women's marathon at the Olympics in Paris. She came in at number 44.
Cheptegei's parents said their daughter purchased land in the Trans Nzoia county so she could be close to the several sports training facilities in Kenya.
Last week, Joseph Cheptegei, the athlete's father, told media that his daughter's ex-boyfriend Ndiema was threatening and following her, and that the family had reported the incident to the police.
He bemoaned the fact that the suspect was not being watched over at his hospital bed, stated he wanted justice, and voiced worry that he may break free.
On Saturday, Cheptegei is anticipated to be laid to rest at her Ugandan home.
