A dad has been killed at a school sports day in front of crowds of children and parents.
The incident happened during an indoor hammer throwing event at the University of Colorado Springs (UCCS) on Sunday, reports the Mirror.
The hammer throw event took place at the Mountain Lion Fieldhouse campus at around 9.30am.
An athlete at the Colorado United Track Club event launched the 25lb hammer when it came to their turn and despite certified safety barriers in place, the hammer hurled into the stands and fatally struck an onlooker.
The victim was later confirmed as a father of a Vista Ridge High School athlete who was part of the Colorado United Track Club. Members who were in the crowd at the time of the horrifying accident describe having seen the chaotic moment after the hammer cleared the protective barriers.
Colorado Springs Police (CSP) told local network KRDO13 that the man who was fatally hit was attempting to protect his wife and son from the oncoming hammer. Firefighter crews rushed to the scene shortly after the man was hit but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet shared deep sorrow over the death: “We are heartbroken at this horrible accident and are focused on supporting all involved.”
No charges were filed against the athlete who threw the hammer and their identity has remained anonymous. An investigation is underway to probe where any safety standards were not met and may have contributed to the incident.
The hammer throw is a pillar of track and field sports and involves an athlete swinging a heavy metal ball that is attached to a wire. The athlete then spins to get speed on their throw before releasing it onto the field.
Safety barriers are in place at all major sporting venues in order to prevent injuries or deaths as a result of a hammer or other sporting objects from striking spectators, staff or fellow athletes. At 4:30pm on Monday(local time), the track club will host a support session where social workers will assist those affected by the tragedy, reports MailOnline.
A spokesperson for the track club said: “The entire track and field community is mourning this unimaginable loss. We’re committed to ensuring the affected families and athletes receive all the care and support they need.”
The Mirror has contacted the CSP for comment.
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