Father of athlete killed in track meet accident at University of Colorado-Colorado Springs
A spectator was killed Sunday at a high school track and field meet on the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs campus after an athlete's hammer reportedly went out of bounds.
The meet was part of a series to be hosted by UCCS at the Mountain Lion Fieldhouse on Dec. 15, Jan. 26, and ending with the UCCS United High School Indoor State Championship on Feb. 16.
Officials told CBS affiliate KKTV that the accident occurred during the hammer throw event, where athletes compete by throwing a weighted ball attached to a grip by a steel wire.
According to the university, a hammer thrown by a participating student cleared the barriers, striking and killing a member of the audience. First responders attempted to render medical aid and later declared him dead at the scene.
UCCS says the barriers that the hammer soared over were "certified." It's not yet clear if or when regular meets will resume at the fieldhouse.
Officials said the victim was the father of one of the athletes who is a student at Vista Ridge High School in Colorado Springs. He was watching the meet.
The victim's family later identified him as 57-year-old Wade Langston and described him as a loving husband, father, brother, and uncle.
Colorado Springs police say he was struck and killed after shielding his wife and son.
His family released 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."
Langston's son's teammates and classmates were grieving with him and his family on Monday.
We've been going to school since freshman year so definitely a shocker. It's crazy how there's dangers in situations you wouldn't think there would be danger," said Bailey Bast, a senior at Vista Ridge High School and classmate of Langston's son. "I hope they grieve because this is definitely sad and it's kind of unexpected because it is senior year for him as well, so I just hope they can move on and grieve."
The Colorado United Track Club has not responded to a request for comment but has organized an online fundraiser for Langston's family.
