Athletics: Javelin thrower kills elderly official in ‘tragic accident’

A javelin thrower accidentally killed a sports official at a German athletics meeting.

Police in Dusseldorf said the 74-year-old man died in hospital after being hit in the throat. A spokesman said initial indications were it had been a “tragic accident.”

He said the 15-year-old athlete who threw the javelin was receiving psychological counselling. Hundreds took part in the youth athletics event at a stadium in the Rath district of Dusseldorf.