U.K. Athletics charged with manslaughter after Paralympian death

U.K. Athletics and Former Official Charged with Manslaughter in Paralympian’s Death

U.K. Athletics, the governing body for track and field in the United Kingdom, and a former official are facing charges of manslaughter in connection with the tragic death of a 36-year-old Paralympian in 2017. The Crown Prosecution Service made the announcement on Wednesday.

Abdullah Hayayei, a para athlete from the UAE who competed in shot put, discus, and javelin, was fatally injured during a training session for the World Paralympic Athletics Championships when a metal throwing cage collapsed on him at Newham Leisure Centre in London. Despite efforts to save him, he sadly passed away at the scene.

According to Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the CPS Special Crime Division, U.K. Athletics has been charged with corporate manslaughter along with a Health and Safety at Work Act offence. Additionally, Keith Davies, the former Head of Sport for the 2017 World Paralympic Athletics Championships, faces charges of gross negligence manslaughter and a Health and Safety at Work Act offence.

McHaffie stated, “Following a review of the evidence provided by the Metropolitan Police Service, the Crown Prosecution Service has authorized criminal charges against U.K. Athletics Limited and a 77-year-old man in relation to the death of United Arab Emirates Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei.”

Both U.K. Athletics and Davies are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on January 31. In response to the charges, U.K. Athletics declined to comment at this time due to the ongoing legal proceedings. Similarly, World Para Athletics refrained from making any statements regarding the case.

Hayayei, who represented the UAE at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, achieved seventh place in the men’s shot put F34 event and sixth place in the men’s javelin F34 event.