Germany: Javelin spears athletics official through throat
An athletics official in Germany was speared by a javelin on Sunday.
A 75-year-old athletics official died today after he was speared through the throat by a javelin at a sports carnival in Germany.
The tragic incident happened at a youth athletics meet in Dusseldorf on Sunday, Agence France-Presse reported.
The man, who has been identified as Dieter Strack, had gone to measure a javelin throw when he was struck.
He was taken to hospital but died earlier today from his injuries.
The 15-year-old athlete who threw the javelin is receiving counseling, the Associated Press reported.
Seven spectators who witnessed the horrifying event were also given counseling.
The Wilhelm Unger Games was immediately canceled.
The local athletics association published a statement on its website describing Strack as a “much-loved and experienced” sports judge, the BBC reported.
"All of us who were there are horrified and in shock… We will always remember Dieter Strack," the statement.
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