
SPLIT - AUGUST: General view as Steve Backley of Great Britain prepares for action in the Javelin during the European Athletics Championships at the Gradski Stadium in Split, Yugoslavia during August 1990. (Photo by Simon Bruty/Getty Images)Javelin competition. (Photo by Simon Bruty/Getty Images)
(WSCR) According to a report from the BBC, a German track and field official has died after being struck in the throat by a javelin.
Reports indicate 74-year-old Dieter Strack was measuring the distance of a previous throw when he was struck by the errant javelin. He was rushed to the hospital where he later died.
The 15-year-old competitor who threw the javelin is receiving psychological counseling, police spokesman Andre Hartwig told the Associated Press.
“All of us who were there are horrified and in shock… We will always remember Dieter Strack,” a statement on the website of the local athletics association said.