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Spectator killed by hammer throw during track meet at UCCS fieldhouse
A man was killed Sunday morning during a high school track and field meet at a fieldhouse on the University of Colorado’s Colorado Springs campus, school officials said.
UCCS spokesperson Chris Valentine said in a news release the man, who was watching in the audience at the Mountain Lion Fieldhouse, died when a hammer weight thrown by a participant cleared “certified barriers” and struck him.
The hammer throw involves hurling a metal weight — attached to a chain and grip — as far as possible after generating momentum by spinning in a circle.
The Colorado Springs Fire Department responded to the accident after the man was struck at about 9:30 a.m., the release said. UCCS and Colorado Springs police officers also responded.
Paramedics provided medical care, but the man was declared dead at the scene, according to the news release.
“We are heartbroken at this horrible accident and are focused on supporting all involved,” UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet said in the release.
The track meet was one of a three-meet series for club sport high school students across the state, according to the release. The first meet was on Dec. 15, 2024.
The man will be identified at a later date by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office.
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Tragic Accident at UCCS Fieldhouse: Spectator Killed by Hammer Throw during Track Meet
In a devastating turn of events, a spectator was killed during a track meet at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) Fieldhouse when they were struck by a hammer throw.
The incident occurred during a track and field competition, where athletes were participating in the hammer throw event. The spectator, whose identity has not been released, was in a restricted area near the field when they were hit by the heavy metal ball attached to a wire.
Emergency responders were immediately called to the scene, but unfortunately, the injuries sustained were fatal. The UCCS athletic department expressed their deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim, and stated that they are cooperating with authorities to investigate the incident.
The hammer throw is a highly technical and dangerous event in track and field, requiring athletes to have a designated throwing area and for spectators to be kept at a safe distance. It is unclear at this time how the spectator ended up in the restricted area.
Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones during this difficult time. We hope that this tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols at sporting events, and that steps will be taken to prevent such accidents from happening in the future.
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