Key takeaways:

• A father was killed by an errant hammer throw at a youth track meet in Colorado.
• The deceased, identified as Wade Langston, tried to shield his family from the incoming weight.
• University officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
• Langston was remembered as a dedicated family man, with fundraising efforts to support his son's education.

A tragic accident occurred at a youth track and field event at the University of Colorado's Colorado Springs campus when a hammer throw struck and killed a spectator. The incident took place during competitions hosted by the Colorado United Track Club on Sunday morning. The victim, identified as Wade Langston, 57, was reportedly attempting to shield his wife and son from the incoming 16-pound weight, which had cleared certified barriers before fatally striking him.

Emergency services pronounced Langston dead at the scene. Campus Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet expressed her condolences, stating, "We are heartbroken at this horrible accident and are focused on supporting all involved.” Tragically, fatal accidents at track and field events, while rare, do occur; previous incidents include a fatality in a college event in Illinois in 2017 and another case during practice at a championship event in Los Angeles.

Langston was remembered fondly by his family, with his niece describing him as a person who brought laughter to every room. A GoFundMe campaign to support his family has raised over $17,000, assisting his son with college tuition costs. The investigation into the circumstances of the accident remains ongoing, as officials look into how safety barriers were managed at the event, according to reports by The Daily Beast and The Guardian.

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