A parent was struck in the head and killed by an athlete's hammer throw during a high school track and field meet hosted on the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) campus over the weekend.
The incident happened around 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, at the Mountain Lion Fieldhouse at UCCS.
University officials said the thrown hammer "cleared certified barriers and struck" the person in the audience.
After the man was hit, members from the UCCS Police Department, the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD), and the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) arrived at the fieldhouse.
CSFD provided medical care to the man but was unsuccessful.
The man was later identified as Wade Langston, 57. School District 49 identified Langston as a parent of a student at Vista Ridge High School.
Langston's niece started a GoFundMe online fundraiser to help the family during this time. The Colorado United Track Club also started a GoFundMe. Both fundraisers have been verified by GoFundMe.
In a statement, the school district offered its condolences and said Vista Ridge High School is offering "structured support" for students and staff.
Full statement:
"We are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of a D49 parent during a club track meet this weekend at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
Our sincere and deep condolences go out to our student and our student’s family as they grieve this significant loss. The leadership team at Vista Ridge High School, in coordination with D49’s Department of Community Care, is offering structured support for students and VRHS staff. Our school and our community will feel this tragic loss deeply, and we will walk through this difficult time together with care and respect."
UCCS officials said the track meet was one of a three-meet series held on the campus for high school club sports track and field.
An online event postshows that the Colorado United Track Club organized the high school meet. However, the club has not responded to KOAA's request for comment.
Hammers can weigh up to 25 pounds for boys in a high school track and field hammer throw event. Not an actual hammer, the event involves athletes throwing a metal ball attached to a grip by wire.
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