A spectator killed by an errant weight in a hammer throw event at a youth track and field meet was a dedicated father and husband with a great sense of humor, relatives said. The funds will help Langston's son, a high school senior, with college tuition, according to the post. The weight cleared ''certified barriers'' before striking Langston in a fieldhouse at the University of Colorado's Colorado Springs campus, according to a university statement.
Firefighters pronounced Langston dead at the scene. Witnesses reported Langston trying to shield his wife and son from the incoming weight. University spokesperson Jenna Press declined to comment Tuesday when asked whether possible factors in the accident, including who set up the barriers and how, were being investigated.
The so-called hammer in the hammer throw event is actually a ball on a chain. The ball weighs 16 pounds 7 kilograms for men and 9 pounds 4 kilograms for women in adult competition, according to World Athletics, the international track and field governing body. Athletes spin in a circle to gain momentum before releasing the weight to throw as far as they can. The family had no further comment besides its statement, Rocha said by email. Fatal accidents at track and field competitions are rare but not unheard of.
A shot-put ball struck and killed an officiant during practice at the U. A hammer killed a student at a college track and field meet at Wheaton College in Illinois in John's Red Storm , Big East. The Latest. Man killed by stray weight at Colorado track and field meet remembered as dedicated husband, dad A spectator killed by an errant weight in a hammer throw event at a youth track and field meet was a dedicated father and husband with a great sense of humor, relatives said.
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