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A University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) Chancellor has spoken out in the wake of a spectator losing his life when an athlete flung a hammer into the crowd during a high school track and field meet held on the campus.
The incident took place on Sunday, January 26, at around 9:30 a.m. local time. Following the incident, authorities were called to the university's Mountain Lion Fieldhouse venue. While medical aid was immediately rendered, the man was pronounced dead on the spot. Speaking with KKTV, UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet said in a statement:
“We are heartbroken at this horrible accident and are focused on supporting all involved.”
Attendees criticize UCCS for poorly handled meet as the organizing club issues a statement
The meet was part of a series that began in December and was slated to end with the UCCS United High School Indoor State Championship on February 16. CBS has reported that the incident took place during the hammer throw event, which is where athletes throw a weighted ball that is attached to a grip with a steel wire. The outdoor weight of the ball is typically less than the indoor weight.
The university has revealed that the hammer was thrown out of bounds by one of the athletes, moments before it struck someone in the crowd and claimed their life. At the time of writing, information about the victim remains scarce, including his identity.
One witness, who wishes to remain anonymous, spoke to 11 News about the same, noting that UCCS could have had more precautionary measures in place:
“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 claimed to have been echoing the safety concerns of others:
"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?“’
The Colorado United Track Club, which organized the meet, said in a statement per KKTV:
"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."
The statement goes on:
"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."
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The club has also revealed that all the affected athletes, their families, and witnesses will receive access to resources and support.
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