Tragic Fate: Why are so many elite athletes dying too soon?

The recent death of Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei, who was burned alive by her boyfriend, has once again thrust the issue of femicide and the tragic fate of athletes into the spotlight.

Cheptegei’s death on September 2024 follows a disturbing pattern of violence against female athletes in Kenya, where domestic violence has claimed the lives of several prominent figures in sports.

As the investigation into her death unfolds, her story serves as a grim reminder of the dangers female athletes face off the field.

Cheptegei’s murder is not an isolated incident but part of a broader and troubling trend in Kenya and the region. Her death mirrors the brutal killings of other female athletes, like Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua, who were also murdered by their partners in recent years.

Agnes Tirop, a celebrated Kenyan long-distance runner and world record holder, was found stabbed to death in her Iten home in October 2021.

Tirop's murder shocked the world, as her promising career had seen her break the women-only 10K world record just a month prior. Her husband, Ibrahim Rotich, was arrested after a dramatic police chase and is facing murder charges​.

Damaris Mutua, a Kenyan-born athlete representing Bahrain, was strangled to death in April 2022. Her body was discovered in the same town as Tirop’s—It is a renowned training hub for athletes, where Mutua was also killed by a partner​.

These cases reflect a broader societal crisis in Kenya, where violence against women—particularly femicide—remains alarmingly prevalent. The deaths of these athletes have sparked calls for reform, from stricter laws to protect women to the establishment of safe houses for victims of domestic violence.

While the deaths of female athletes have highlighted the issue of gender-based violence, male athletes in Kenya have also suffered tragic fates, often through accidents or unexplained circumstances.

Kelvin Kiptum Cheruiyot, the marathon world record holder, died in a car crash in February 2024, alongside his coach Gervais Hakizimana.

Kiptum had recently made headlines after breaking Eliud Kipchoge's marathon record at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, running an astonishing 2:00:35. His death, at the age of 24, devastated the running world and cut short what many believed would be a record-breaking career.

Nicholas Bett, a hurdler who made history by winning the 400m hurdles at the 2015 World Championships, died in a car crash in 2018. Bett’s death, at the age of 28, underscored the risks athletes face when traveling on Kenya's dangerous roads, a recurring theme in several tragic cases​.

Benjamin Kiplagat, a Ugandan long-distance runner, was found dead in December 2023 in a suspected homicide. Kiplagat was a prominent figure in the 3000m steeplechase and had represented Uganda at the Rio Olympics.

His murder adds to the growing list of athletes whose deaths are under suspicious circumstances​.

Road accidents remain a leading cause of death for athletes in Kenya. In addition to Kiptum and Bett, marathon runner Francis Kiplagat died in a crash in 2018 while traveling with fellow athlete Vincent Yator.

Similarly, middle-distance runner David Lelei lost his life in a 2010 accident along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, marking another high-profile athlete death on Kenyan roads​(

These fatalities highlight not only the dangers athletes face in their personal lives but also the inadequacies of road safety measures in Kenya. Despite the country producing some of the world's best athletes, the infrastructure they depend on remains perilously inadequate.

The deaths of these athletes, whether through violence or tragic accidents, reveal a glaring need for systemic change. For female athletes like Cheptegei, Tirop, and Mutua, the issue of femicide remains a critical societal problem.

Activists have called for gender-based violence to be treated as a distinct crime, with tougher penalties for perpetrators.

For male athletes, road safety and health issues remain significant concerns. Athletes often spend long hours traveling between training camps and competitions, making them particularly vulnerable to road accidents.

The deaths of Bett, Kiplagat, and Kiptum, all from car accidents, point to the need for better road infrastructure and safety measures.

As the world mourns the loss of these athletes, their deaths serve as a call to action for both Kenyan society and the international sports community.

Whether addressing gender-based violence or improving road safety, urgent reforms are needed to protect the lives of athletes who have brought pride and recognition to the nation.

In the memory of these athletes, Kenya must strive for change—on the roads, in homes, and in the laws that govern them.