A father attending a high school track and field meet was killed Sunday morning, January 25, 2025, at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) when a hammer throw cleared safety barriers and struck him in the stands, leaving the track and field community in shock.
Wade Langston, 57, died at approximately 9:30 a.m. at the Mountain Lion Fieldhouse during the Colorado United Track Club meet. According to Colorado Springs Police, Langston was attempting to protect his wife and son from the incoming 25-pound hammer when he was struck. His son was at the meet as a Vista Ridge High School competitor.
The event was part of an indoor hammer throwing competition at the Colorado United Track Club meet, which was being held as part of a three-meet series that had been taking place at the UCCS campus since December 15. The meet was organized by the Colorado United Track Club and was not affiliated with either the university or the Colorado High School Activities Association.
“We are heartbroken at this horrible accident and are focused on supporting all involved,” said UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet.
Despite certified safety barriers, the hammer unexpectedly soared into the stands where spectators were seated. Multiple witnesses described a chaotic scene as the hammer cleared all protective barriers. Emergency crews from the Colorado Springs Fire Department responded immediately to provide medical care, but Langston was pronounced dead at the scene. Following the accident, meet officials immediately canceled the remainder of the competition and instructed all athletes to leave the facility.
“A member of the attending audience was killed when a hammer thrown by a participant cleared certified barriers and struck him,” UCCS officials said in a statement. “The Colorado Springs Fire Department responded, provided medical care, and ultimately pronounced the audience member dead at the scene.”
The hammer throw, a traditional track and field event dating back to ancient competitions, involves swinging a heavy metal ball attached to a wire in a circular motion before releasing it. Due to the high velocities that the hammer travels and inherent risks, some states have banned the event from high school competitions entirely. The event requires certified safety barriers and specific protocols to protect athletes and spectators.
Some attendees expressed concerns about the proximity of the spectator seating to the throwing area. Witnesses at the scene described the moment as surreal when the hammer cleared all protective barriers. The identity of the athlete who threw the hammer has not been released, and no charges have been filed. Investigations are ongoing to determine if any additional safety lapses may have contributed to the accident.
Fatal accidents at track and field competitions are rare but not unprecedented. Similar incidents have occurred in recent years, including a hammer killing a student at a college meet in Illinois in 2017 and a shot put striking and killing an official during practice at the U.S. track and field championships in Los Angeles in 2005. These incidents have led to increased safety measures and protocols at track and field events nationwide.
The Colorado United Track Club meet was part of a three-meet series that began on December 15th of the previous year. The event had drawn athletes and spectators from various regional high schools.
To help the community cope with the loss, the Colorado United Track Club and District 12 hosted a support session on Monday, January 27, at Cheyenne Mountain High School’s Student Union. Social workers from District 12 were present to help athletes, families, and spectators process the tragedy.