A spectator was killed after he was accidentally struck by a hammer thrown by an athlete in a high school athletics event held in the United States. (More Sports News)
The incident took place on Sunday, January 26 at the University of Colorado's Colorado Springs Campus.
The weight cleared certified barriers before striking the man, as per the statement released by the Colorado Springs Campus.
Firefighters pronounced the man dead at the scene. He apparently had tried to shield his wife and son from the ball, local TV channel reported. The so-called hammer in the hammer throw event is actually a heavy ball on a chain.
Authorities did not identify the athlete or the man killed. He was the father of a competitor for the Colorado United Track Club that hosted the event for high school-age athletes from around the state, according to the station.
“We are heartbroken at this horrible accident and are focused on supporting all involved,” campus Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet said in a statement.
Fatal accidents at track and field competitions are rare. A hammer killed a student at a college track and field meet at Wheaton College in Illinois in 2017.
A shot put ball struck and killed an officiant during practice at the U.S. track and field championships in Los Angeles in 2005.
(With AP inputs)
