BERLIN — A German sports official died Monday a day after being struck in the throat by a javelin.
The 74-year-old man was officiating at a youth meet in the western city of Duesseldorf when the incident happened late Sunday, police spokesman Andre Hartwig said. He was immediately taken to the hospital but died of injuries early Monday, Hartwig said. The local athletics association for Duesseldorf and Neuss identified the man as Dieter Strack.
“The popular and experienced sports judge was the victim of a tragic accident while carrying out his duties on Aug. 26,” the association said on its website. “All of us who were there are horrified and in shock.” Hartwig said that the 15-year-old athlete who threw the javelin was receiving psychological counseling. Police have opened an investigation into the official’s death, but initial indications were that it had been an accident, he added.
How is this possible? How many more people have to get skewered in the freaking neck before we, as a society, eliminate accidents with javelins at track and field events? It’s horrible somedoby lost their life…and how ’bout that 15 year old kid? You kiddin’ me? “How was your weekend, son? Did the track meet go alright?” Boy: “Had a bad throw with the javelin. Landed in somebody’s throat. Killed him.” Love how the AP article points out… “the 15-year-old athlete who threw the javelin was receiving psychological counseling.” Gee…ya think?
Feels like, in 2012, if people are still getting hit by javelins… these guys would have to be involved. Otherwise? Unacceptable.
-bp
lobbed by mac