A SPECTATOR has tragically died after being accidentally struck by a hammer thrown by an athlete.
The man was killed in the incident on Sunday that happened during a competition at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs campus.
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The El Paso County Coroner’s office has named the man as Wade Langston.
The 57-year-old was the father of one of the competitors and is reported to have died while trying to protect his wife and son.
It is claimed that he was shielding his family when a hammer that can weigh up to 7.26kg (1st 2lb) struck him.
Medical care was provided by first responders by Langston was pronounced dead at the scene.
A spokesperson for the University revealed that the hammer had cleared the “certified barriers and struck him”
A witness told the Daily Mail that a throw was off-target and veered off to clear a 12ft net.
One said: “The amount of blood was horrific.
“I’m devastated for the family and just furious at the incompetence and carelessness of UCCS.
“I saw someone die today and it was completely unnecessary.”
University of Colorado Colorado Springs chancellor Jennifer Sobanet released a brief statement.
She said: “We are heartbroken at this horrible accident and are focused on supporting all involved.”
The incident is being treated as “non-criminal”, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department.
The rest of the competition was cancelled and organisers are not sure if it will be rescheduled.
The Colorado United Track Club also released a statement sending its condolences to Langston’s family.
It read: “The Colorado United Track Club, our coaches and helpers would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Langston Family as they navigate the tragic loss of Wade Langston.
“Please know that our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with this family, and they are not alone in their grief.”
