The tragic freak accident has raised conversations around track-and-field safety and possibly banning the hammer throw event from high school and collegiate athletic meets.
Highlights
- Wade Langston, a devoted father and husband, tragically lost his life at a high school track meet in Colorado Springs while shielding his wife, Ronda Langston, and son, Colin Langston, from an incoming hammer weight.
- The Langston family has received an outpouring of support from their community, with several fundraising campaigns launched to help with funeral expenses and Colin’s college tuition.
- The incident has raised questions about the adequacy of safety measures at the track meet, with witnesses reporting inadequate safety nets and barriers.
Wade Langston, a devoted father and husband, tragically lost his life in a freak accident at a high school track meet in Colorado Springs.
The incident occurred on January 26, 2025, at the University of Colorado Springs (UCCS) during a track and field event.
Wade, 57, was attending the meet to support his son, Colin Langston, when a 16-pound hammer weight thrown by a participant learned the protective barriers and struck Langston, who was sitting in the bleachers.
Witnesses reported that he was shielding his wife and son from the incoming weight when he was fatally hit.
Despite immediate medical attention, Wade was pronounced dead at the scene.
He was a dedicated family man, deeply committed to his wife, Ronda Langston, and their 17-year-old son, Colin.
🚨Tragic Track & Field Accident🚨
— The Erin Brown🕷 (@TheErinBrown) January 28, 2025
I've been one of the biggest advocate for removing field events from track meets or at least having them at a separate time so there won't be so many things going on at once especially indoor. This past weekend Wade Langston was at his son track… pic.twitter.com/uuw5fFVgm9
Wade Langston was a casualty claims adjuster for USAA Insurance, a role he took on after moving to Colorado in the 1990s.
Originally from Lubbock, Texas, Wade was known for his great sense of humor and his ability to bring laughter to any room he entered.
Wade Is Survived By His Wife, Ronda, And Son
Wade’s wife, Ronda Langston, was present at the track meet when the accident occurred.
Wade’s heroic final act was to shield Ronda and Colin from the incoming hammer weight, a proof of his protective nature and love for his family.
The Langston family has been overwhelmed with grief, but they have also received an outpouring of support from their community and beyond.
In a statement, the family expressed their deep sorrow and gratitude for the love and support they have received:
Wade was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished brother and brother-in-law, fun uncle, and an even more fun great-uncle. He was a truly wonderful person who brought laughter to every room he entered with his great sense of humor. There are no words to express the depth of our sorrow, but we are clinging tightly to the memories, laughter, and love that we shared with Wade.
fox21news.com
As a claims adjuster, Wade was well-respected by his colleagues and clients alike.
His move to Colorado in the 90s was driven by a desire to provide a better life for his family, and he succeeded in building a loving and supportive home environment.
The Incident Has Raised Conversations Around Safety Measures
The tragic accident has raised questions about safety measures at the track meet.
Witnesses have reported that the safety nets and barriers were inadequate, and there were no medical personnel on-site to provide immediate assistance.
Some social media users have also discussed the total ban of the hammer throw event from high school and collegiate track-and-field meets.
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs has stated that they are focused on supporting all those involved and are reviewing the safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Community Has Rallied Together To Help Wade’s Family
In the wake of Wade’s passing, several fundraising campaigns have been launched to support his family.
The Colorado United Track Club, which organized the event, started a fundraiser to help with funeral expenses and to support Colin’s tuition.
The community’s response has been overwhelming, with donations pouring in and heartfelt messages of condolence being shared.
Wade Langston Will Be Remembered
Wade Langston’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and dedication.
His untimely death has left a void in the lives of those who knew him, but his memory will live on through the stories and memories shared by his family and friends.
As the Langston family navigates this difficult time, they are surrounded by the love and support of a community that will forever remember Wade as a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished friend.
Additional Information
- The track meet was canceled around 9:30 a.m. after the incident occurred. The Colorado Springs Fire Department arrived and provided medical care, but Wade was pronounced dead at the scene.
- As of Jan 29, 2025, the fundraiser set up by one of Wade’s family members, Tamara Rocha, has raised over $12,000.
