Colorado Father Killed by Errant Hammer Throw at High School Track Event

Colorado Springs, CO – Family and friends are mourning the loss of Wade Langston, a 57-year-old father who was fatally struck by an errant hammer throw during his son’s high school track and field event. The tragic accident occurred on Saturday, January 26, at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), where a routine weight event turned deadly.

According to reports from KRDO-TV, The Colorado Springs Gazette, and KXRM-TV, Langston was attending the meet at the university’s Mountain Lion Fieldhouse when a hammer—a heavy metal ball attached to a chain—cleared the protective netting and struck him in the head.

Witnesses said Langston attempted to shield his wife and son from the incoming projectile before he was struck. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but he was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 9:30 a.m. local time, according to a statement from UCCS.

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities have not released the name of the athlete involved in the accident. The hammer used in competition typically weighs 16 pounds for men and 9 pounds for women, according to ESPN.

The El Paso County Coroner’s Office stated that no further details will be available until the autopsy and investigation are complete, a process that could take up to two months. However, the Colorado Springs Police Department confirmed that the incident is not being investigated as a criminal matter.

“We are heartbroken at this horrible accident and are focused on supporting all involved,” UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet said in a statement.

Remembering Wade Langston

Langston’s family has expressed profound grief, remembering him as a devoted husband and father who “brought laughter to every room he entered.” A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support his son, who is a high school senior preparing for college.

“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,” the family said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all others impacted by this tragedy.”

Keenen Ballage, a coach who was present at the event, expressed shock over the freak accident. “It just doesn’t happen,” he told KRDO-TV. “Like I said, this never happens.”

The tragedy has raised questions about safety protocols at high school track and field events, particularly regarding hammer throw competitions. While investigations continue, the Langston family and the broader community are left grappling with an unimaginable loss.

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