COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – One person is dead after a freak accident at a high school track meet in Colorado Springs.
According to UCCS officials, it happened at the Mountain Lion Fieldhouse Sunday morning when a hammer from one of the athletes, “cleared certified barriers,” and hit a spectator who died at the scene.
“We are heartbroken at this horrible accident and are focused on supporting all involved,” UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet said.
One person at the meet, who wished to remain anonymous, told 11 News she thought more could have been done to protect attendees.
“If it was certified, I would believe it would be higher up and there wouldn’t be seating there and they would have already tested it to see if there was any possible incident, anything that could be possibly happening before you had two hundred people there,” she said.
She said she wasn’t the only one at the meet with safety concerns.
“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?“’
Another parent at the meet sent 11 News this picture of the set up:
The meet was not organized by the university or CHSSA, but the Colorado United Track Club. The club released the following statement to parents after the incident that reads in part:
“Track family,
It is with a heavy heart that I share some sad news with you all.
At the UCCS track meet this morning, a spectator was hit in the head by a stray throwing weight. The man who was hit by this weight died on scene. He was the father of one of our CO United team members who attends Vista Ridge HS. The remainder of the meet was cancelled and all athletes were asked to go home.
Our Administration, Assistant Superintendent, and D12 Social Workers have been working to determine who to best support both CMHS students as well as the athletes and families of CO United who are affected. Kris Roberts, our D12 Athletic Director, is contacting the D49 Athletic Director to offer support and assistance as well.”
The club said they will have resources and support for the affected athletes and their families.
11 News has reached out to the club about what happened. We have not yet heard back. We have also reached out to UCCS about safety measures around the Mountain Lion Fieldhouse throwing area.
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On Saturday, tragedy struck at the Colorado Springs track when a spectator was killed in a freak accident during a race. As a witness to the horrific incident, I am left searching for answers and grappling with the horror of what I saw.
The race had been going smoothly until suddenly, a car lost control and veered off the track, crashing into the stands where the spectator was standing. The impact was devastating, and despite the best efforts of emergency responders, the victim did not survive.
In the aftermath of the accident, I am haunted by the questions racing through my mind. How could this happen? Was it a mechanical failure, human error, or some other unforeseen circumstance? Could more have been done to prevent this tragedy?
As I try to come to terms with what I witnessed, I can’t help but feel a sense of helplessness and sadness. My thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones, who are now left to grieve the loss of their loved one in such a sudden and senseless manner.
I hope that a thorough investigation will provide answers and insight into how such a tragic event could occur. In the meantime, I will continue to hold onto the memories of that day and honor the memory of the victim by seeking justice and understanding in the wake of this heartbreaking accident.
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