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A spectator was killed during a freak accident at a high school indoor track meet held at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs on Sunday (January 26), university officials confirmed to the Colorado Springs Gazette.
The incident took place during a "weight throw" event when the male spectator was struck by a thrown hammer, which is a metal ball attached to a handle by a length of wire used during distance throw events and is typically heavier with a shorter tether. The man was pronounced dead at the scene by Colorado Springs Fire Department rescue crews, according to a news release obtained by the Colorado Springs Gazette.
“We are heartbroken at this horrible accident and are focused on supporting all involved,” UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet said in a statement obtained by the newspaper.
The man's identity was not released as of Monday (January 27) morning. Another person at the event told KKTV that she thought more should've been done to protect spectators.
“If it was certified, I would believe it would be higher up and there wouldn’t be seating there and they would have already tested it to see if there was any possible incident, anything that could be possibly happening before you had two hundred people there,” she said, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “This lady sat next to us and she commented about how the bleachers that were next to the hammer throw or the cage and she was like, ‘That’s terrifying, why is it next to that?“’
The Colorado United Track club issued a statement shared by KKTV in response to the incident.
"It is with a heavy heart that I share some sad news with you all," the statement reads. "At the UCCS track meet this morning, a spectator was hit in the head by a stray throwing weight. The man who was hit by this weight died on scene. He was the father of one of our CO United team members who attends Vista Ridge HS. The remainder of the meet was cancelled and all athletes were asked to go home.
"Our Administration, Assistant Superintendent, and D12 Social Workers have been working to determine who to best support both CMHS students as well as the athletes and families of CO United who are affected. Kris Roberts, our D12 Athletic Director, is contacting the D49 Athletic Director to offer support and assistance as well."