BERLIN - A 74-year-old athletics official has died after being speared through the throat by a javelin at a junior meet in Germany, officials said on Monday.
The official, named as Dieter Strack, went to measure a throw but was hit as the javelin landed. He was taken to hospital for an emergency operation but died overnight, police said.
A group of seven spectators in the 800-strong crowd who witnessed the accident were given counselling at the scene as police evacuated the stadium. After the accident, the meet in the western city of Duesseldorf was immediately cancelled.
The local athletic association paid tribute to a "popular and experienced" official who was the victim of a "tragic accident".
"We are deeply saddened by this shocking accident and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time," said the association.