Spectator killed at Colorado track and field event after hammer flies into crowd: 'Horrible accident'

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRXM) — A fatal accident occurred during a track and field event at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) this weekend, a spokesperson for the school confirmed.

At around 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, a hammer thrown by a participant in the event cleared a barrier and struck a member of the audience, UCCS said. At the time, the university's Mountain Lion Fieldhouse was hosting a club sports meet for high school students from across the state.

The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) responded and provided medical care, but the spectator was pronounced dead at the scene. The UCCS Police Department and the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) also responded.

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

Nexstar's KXRM found a quiet scene and a sign alerting visitors of the canceled UCCS meet on Sunday.

UCCS said Sunday's events were part of a three-meet series held on the UCCS campus, the first of which took place on Dec. 15, 2024.

The identity of the deceased spectator has not been released by the El Paso County Coroner's Office, though sources who spoke with Nexstar's KRXM said the victim was a father who had attended the meet to watch his child compete in the 60-yard dash.

Cheyenne Mountain High School will be offering mental health resources to those affected by the incident at 4:30 p.m. at the student union on Monday, Jan. 27.