Spectator Killed After Athlete Throws Hammer into Crowd During Track and Field Meet in Colorado: Reports

A spectator has reportedly died after an athlete’s hammer was thrown out of bounds during a high school track and field meet at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS).

On Sunday, Jan. 26 at approximately 9:30 a.m. local time at the university’s Mountain Lion Fieldhouse venue, authorities were called and medical aid was rendered after the accident occurred, local outlets KRDO 13 and Fox-affiliated station KDVR reported, citing a UCCS spokesperson. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, per KRDO 13.

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

“A member of the attending audience was killed when a hammer thrown by a participant cleared certified barriers and struck him,” UCCS confirmed, according to the outlet.

“The Colorado Springs Fire Department responded, provided medical care and ultimately pronounced the audience member dead at the scene. Members of the UCCS Police Department and Colorado Springs Police Department were on scene,” the university added, per KKTV.

The person who died was thought to be the father of a member of the Colorado United Track Club who attends Vista Ridge High School, per KRDO 13, citing a statement issued by the club.

According to CBS News, Sunday’s meet was part of a series of events hosted by the university. A previous event was held on Dec. 15, and the series was set to end with the UCCS United High School Indoor State Championship on Feb. 16, per the outlet.

The rest of the meet has now been canceled, per KRDO 13. It’s not known if it’ll be rescheduled. Colorado Springs Police told CBS News that the man died while trying to protect his wife and son as the object neared the audience.

Per World Athletics, “The hammer throw is a track and field event where athletes compete by throwing a hammer, which is a metal ball that’s attached to a grip by a steel wire.”

“The winner of the event is the athlete who throws the hammer the greatest distance while ensuring they stay inside a seven-foot (2.135m) diameter circle,” a description added.

District 12 social workers are thought to be working with authorities “to determine how to best support students,” as well as anyone else affected by the tragedy, according to KKTV.

Sobanet, the UCCS, the UCCS Police Department, the Colorado Springs Police Department, the Colorado United Track Club and the Colorado Springs Fire Department didn’t immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.