A Colorado father was killed in a freak accident at a Colorado high school track and field.
The incident occurred during an indoor hammer-throwing event at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCC's), leaving them all present, whether on the court or in the stands in disbelief at the unimaginable turn of events.
What started as a day of competition and camaraderie turned into a nightmare around 9:30 a.m. on the campus of Mountain Lion Fieldhouse at an indoor facility.
A hammer thrower competing in the Colorado United Track Club meet dropped the 25-pound hammer during their turn.
Despite the presence of certified safety barriers, the hammer unexpectedly rose into the stands and fatally struck a spectator, who was later revealed to be the father of one of the athletes who also competed.
Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic and surreal moment as the hammer cleared all protective barriers and struck the man.
Colorado Springs police later confirmed to KRDO13 that the victim, in an act of selflessness, had attempted to protect his wife and son from the oncoming hammer when he was struck.
Emergency services from the Colorado Springs Fire Department were immediately dispatched, but tragically the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
The accident occurred around 9:30 a.m. in an indoor facility on the Mountain Lion Fieldhouse campus at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
The incident occurred during a Hammer Throw event at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCC's), leaving everyone in attendance in disbelief at the unimaginable turn of events
The victim was identified as the father of a Vista Ridge High School athlete who was part of the Colorado United Track Club.
In a heartfelt statement, UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet expressed deep sorrow over the incident: “We are heartbroken over this terrible accident and are focused on supporting everyone involved.”
The hammer throw, a staple of track and field events, involves hurling a heavy metal ball attached to a wire in a circular motion before hurling it across the field.
While precautions, including certified safety barriers, are in place to protect spectators, Sunday's tragedy underlines the inherent risks of high-speed sports.
No charges have been filed against the athlete involved in the throw and their identities have not been released.
A Colorado father was killed in a freak accident at a Colorado high school track and field meet when the 25-pound hammer cleared safety barriers and struck a spectator
In the Student Union at Cheyanne Mountain High School, the Track Club, in partnership with D12, provides a space for support and connection for those affected
Investigations are underway to determine whether additional safety lapses may have contributed to the accident.
On Monday at 4:30 p.m., the track club will host a support session at the Cheyenne Mountain High School student union, where District 12 social workers will be present to help athletes, families and spectators cope with the tragedy.
“The entire track and field community mourns this unimaginable loss,” a track club spokesperson said.
“We are committed to ensuring that the affected families and athletes receive all the care and support they need.”
