A spectator was killed Sunday in a hammer throw accident during a high school track and field meet in Colorado.
The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. in a field house at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs campus when the weight flew into the audience. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene after receiving emergency treatment.
The victim was identified as a father of a member of the Colorado United Track Club who attends Vista Ridge High School in the city. According to witnesses, the man was shielding his wife and son from the 16-pound metal ball, which is connected to a steel wire chain. No other information was released.
“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?’” a woman, who asked to remain anonymous, told KKTV.
“We are heartbroken at this horrible accident and are focused on supporting all involved,” UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet said in a statement.
