United Arab Emirates Para-athlete Abdullah Hayayei died on Tuesday after a training accident. He was preparing for the World Para Athletics Championships in London at the time.
The International Paralympic Committee confirmed the news, with the issue having occurred while 36-year-old Hayayei, an F34-class thrower, was training at Newham Leisure Centre in London.
Per BBC Sport, the UAE International Paralympic Committee explained Hayayei died after a discus cage fell on him.
The athlete was pronounced dead at the scene after being attended to by London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance, who were responding "to reports of a seriously injured man."
International Paralympic Committee chairman Sir Philip Craven said, per the organisation's statement: "We are all truly devastated by this tragic news and the passing of Abdullah. The thoughts, prayers and condolences of the whole Paralympic Movement are with Abdullah's family, friends and teammates as well as the whole of the National Paralympic Committee of the UAE. We are all in state of shock at this terrible tragedy."
Additionally, the statement confirmed Hayayei's family and UAE teammates have been informed of his death, while there will be a moment of silence to mark his passing during Friday's London 2017 opening ceremony at London Stadium.
Hayayei's Paralympic debut came at Rio 2016 last summer, and he was scheduled to compete in the shot put, discus and javelin F34 events at the World Championships.
Read 0 Comments
Download the app for comments Get the B/R app to join the conversation