COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – A spectator at a high school track and field meet was killed after an athlete’s hammer reportedly went out of bounds Sunday morning.
UCCS, which hosted the meet, said it was heartbroken over what it called a “horrible accident.”
“We are heartbroken at this horrible accident and are focused on supporting all involved,” said UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet in a statement obtained by 11 News.
According to UCCS, the student’s hammer was thrown past the certified barriers, hitting a spectator sitting in the stands.
“A member of the attending audience was killed when a hammer thrown by a participant cleared certified barriers and struck him. The Colorado Springs Fire Department responded, provided medical care and ultimately pronounced the audience member dead at the scene. Members of the UCCS Police Department and Colorado Springs Police Department were on scene,” UCCS said.
Monday afternoon, the El Paso County Coroner identified the person who died as Wade Langston, 57. Colorado Springs Police said Langston was shielding his family.
On Sunday, an 11 News viewer shared a statement they said they got from Colorado United Track Club:
At the UCCS United 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 the scene. He was the father of one of our CO United team members who attends Vista Ridge HS. The remainder of the meet was canceled and all athletes were asked to go home.
The message sent to that viewer also said officials were working with District 49 social workers to determine how to best support students who attended the event as well as the families involved.
The parent club of Colorado United Track Club, USA Track and Field, got back to 11 News about the tragedy.
USA Track & Field (USATF) is deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred yesterday at a Colorado United Track Club event in Colorado Springs, resulting in the loss of a spectator’s life. Our thoughts are with the individual’s family, loved ones, and the entire community affected by this unimaginable event. USATF extends its full support to the Colorado United Track Club, a valued USATF Member Club, as they navigate this difficult time.
On Monday, Langston’s family provided the following statement:
Wade was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished brother and brother-in-law, fun uncle, and an even more fun great-uncle. He was a truly wonderful person who brought laughter to every room he entered with his great sense of humor. There are no words to express the depth of our sorrow, but we are clinging tightly to the memories, laughter and love that we shared with Wade. We appreciate the outpouring of love and support but ask for privacy as we process this profound grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with all others impacted by this tragedy.
A GoFundMe for Langston’s family can be found here. Another fundraiser started by the Colorado United Track Club for Langston’s family can be found here.
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