A tragic accident occurred at a youth track and field meet in Colorado Springs, resulting in the death of a dedicated father and husband, Wade Langston, aged 57. The incident took place during the Colorado United Track Club meet at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
Langston, described by relatives as a wonderful person with a great sense of humor, was fatally struck by an errant weight during a hammer throw event. Witnesses reported that Langston heroically tried to shield his wife and son from the incoming weight, ultimately losing his life in the process.
The weight, which is a ball on a chain used in the hammer throw event, cleared certified barriers before striking Langston in a fieldhouse at the university campus. Despite efforts by firefighters at the scene, Langston was pronounced dead on-site.
The tragic incident has prompted an outpouring of support for Langston's family, with two separate GoFundMe campaigns raising over $18,000 to assist with college tuition for Langston's high school senior son.
While fatal accidents at track and field events are rare, this unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with such sports. The hammer throw, a challenging and dynamic event in track and field, involves athletes spinning to gain momentum before releasing the weight to achieve maximum distance.
Langston's family, who declined to provide further comments, expressed gratitude for the support received during this difficult time. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, including the setup of barriers and potential contributing factors, is ongoing.
Our thoughts are with the Langston family and all those affected by this tragic event.
