Spectator Dies After Being Struck by Hammer During Colorado High School Track Meet
A spectator lost his life at a high school track and field event on the University of Colorado campus after being hit by a hammer thrown by an athlete.
The tragedy took place at around 9:30 a.m. local time on Sunday at the Mountain Lion Fieldhouse, as stated by the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS).
“During a track and field meet for high school students from various areas of Colorado, a member of the audience tragically died when a hammer thrown by a participant went over the safety barriers and struck him,” the statement detailed.
In the hammer throw, the “hammer” consists of a heavy metal ball connected to a handle by a steel wire, as explained by World Athletics. Athletes aim to throw it as far as possible while staying within a seven-foot diameter circle.
Emergency responders from the Colorado Springs Fire Department arrived on the scene and provided medical assistance, but unfortunately, they pronounced the spectator deceased at the location. Both UCCS Police Department and Colorado Springs Police Department were also present.
The victim has been identified by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office as 57-year-old Wade Langston.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and are dedicated to supporting all those affected,” UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet expressed in a statement.
Victim Identified as Parent of Competing Athlete: Local Reports
The Colorado United Track Club, the event’s organizers, confirmed through local news outlet KRDO-TV that Langston was the father of an athlete competing from Vista Ridge High School. Reports indicate that he attempted to shield his son and wife from the hammer’s trajectory.
YSL News has reached out for a statement from the Colorado United Track Club.
UCCS spokesperson Chris Valentine informed YSL News on Monday that no college students were in attendance at the high school club meet held on campus.
Sunday’s event was part of a three-meet series hosted on the UCCS campus. The first meet occurred on December 15, 2024, with the third meet scheduled for February 16.
The UCCS United High School Meet Series aims to “provide a platform for athletes to compete at a high level in one of the premier facilities in the Mountain West and the nation,” while also “showcasing some of the top talent,” according to the event’s website. Field events include long jump, triple jump, high jump, pole vault, shot put, and weight throw.
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter. Follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
