Athletics spectator killed by hammer throw in US

A hammer thrown by an athlete at a high school indoor athletics competition in the United States accidentally struck a spectator who was killed.

The University of Colorado Colorado Colorado Springs campus was hosting the event on Sunday.

A student was killed when a hammer thrown at him by a participant “went through certified barriers and struck him,” according to a university spokesperson.

The man who died, named by El Paso County Coronor’s office as Wade Langston, 57, was the father of a competitor and reportedly died while shielding his wife and son from the hammer, which can weigh up to 7.26kg (1st 2lb).

Jennifer Sobanet, the chancellor of the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, said, “We are heartbroken at this horrible accident. We are devoted to supporting everyone involved.”