Spectator Killed by Errant Hammer Throw at Colorado High School Track Meet

Preview

A tragic incident occurred at a high school track and field meet on the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) campus, where a spectator was killed by an errant hammer throw. The accident happened on Sunday morning at around 9:30 a.m. during a meet hosted by the Colorado United Track Club for high school-age athletes from across the state.

Preview

The victim, identified as Wade Langston, 57, was attending the meet to support his son, who was a participant. Langston was struck by the hammer while sitting in the stands. The hammer, which is a metal ball attached to a grip by a steel wire, cleared the certified barriers and hit him. Emergency responders pronounced Langston dead at the scene. Witnesses reported that he had tried to shield his wife and son from the hammer as it approached.

Preview

The hammer throw event involves athletes throwing a weighted ball attached to a handle by a wire. In high school competitions, the hammer can weigh up to 25 pounds. This particular incident was deemed a non-criminal event by the Colorado Springs Police Department.

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs and the Colorado United Track Club expressed their condolences and stated that they were focused on supporting all those involved. The remainder of the track meet was immediately canceled following the accident.