COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – An errant weight thrown by a competitor struck and killed a spectator at a youth track and field meet on the University of Colorado’s Colorado Springs campus on Sunday morning.
The hammer in the hammer throw event cleared certified barriers before striking the man, who was trying to shield his wife and son from the ball. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The 16-pound weight, used in the men’s division, is actually a heavy ball on a chain.
Authorities have not released the name of the athlete or the man killed, who was the father of a competitor for the Colorado United Track Club. The event was hosted by the club for high school-age athletes from around the state.
“We are heartbroken at this horrible accident and are focused on supporting all involved,” said University of Colorado Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet in a statement.
Fatal accidents in track and field competitions are rare, but not unprecedented. A similar incident occurred in 2017 when a hammer killed a student at a college track and field meet at Wheaton College in Illinois. A shot put ball also struck and killed an officiant during practice at the U.S. track and field championships in Los Angeles in 2005.