COLORADO SPRINGS — A District 49 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 UCCS campus.
The El Paso County Sheriff's office confirmed Monday that he was 57 year old Wade Langston.
This occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, at the Mountain Lion Fieldhouse at UCCS.
According to the university, 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.
According to UCCS, the track meet was one of a three-meet series held on the UCCS campus, for high school club sports track and field.
According to an event post online, the high school meet was put on by the Colorado United Track Club.
The club has not responded to a KOAA request for comment.
School District 49 released the following statement regarding this incident:
"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."
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.
This is an ongoing story, and we will release more information as it becomes available.
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