A man was killed Sunday morning during a high school track and field meet at a fieldhouse on the University of Colorado’s Colorado Springs campus, school officials said.
UCCS spokesperson Chris Valentine said in a news release the man, who was watching in the audience at the Mountain Lion Fieldhouse, died when a hammer weight thrown by a participant cleared “certified barriers” and struck him.
The hammer throw involves hurling a metal weight — attached to a chain and grip — as far as possible after generating momentum by spinning in a circle.
The Colorado Springs Fire Department responded to the accident after the man was struck at about 9:30 a.m., the release said. UCCS and Colorado Springs police officers also responded.
Paramedics provided medical care, but the man was declared dead at the scene, according to the news release.
“We are heartbroken at this horrible accident and are focused on supporting all involved,” UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet said in the release.
The track meet was one of a three-meet series for club sport high school students across the state, according to the release. The first meet was on Dec. 15, 2024.
The man will be identified at a later date by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office.
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