A court in the UK has heard that the death of Emirati Paralymian Abdullah Hayayei in London in 2017 was an “accident waiting to happen” as UK Athletics and a former senior official face sentencing over the tragedy.
Hayayei, 36, was killed while training for the World Para Athletics Championships when a shot put cage collapsed in strong winds, causing a 25kg metal bar to strike him.
Prosecutors told the Old Bailey that critical support components and bolts were missing from the structure, alleging a wider practice of assembling the equipment incorrectly.
UK Athletics has admitted corporate manslaughter, while former head of sport Keith Davies pleaded guilty to a health and safety offence. The court also heard emotional testimony from Hayayei’s widow, who said her husband’s death left her to raise five children alone and was the result of negligence that could have been prevented. Sentencing is expected on Tuesday UK time.
Image credit: Jim M.
