‘Severe Negligence’: UK Athletics Faces Charges Following Paralympic Athlete’s Tragic Death

The governing body for athletics in the UK, along with a sports official, is facing manslaughter charges linked to the tragic death of a Paralympic athlete. This incident occurred in 2017 when Abdullah Hayayei was struck on the head by a metal pole during training.

The 36-year-old athlete, representing the United Arab Emirates, suffered fatal injuries at Newham Leisure Centre in east London on 11 July 2017, with emergency services declaring him dead at the scene.

At the time of the incident, Hayayei was refining his skills in the F34 class for discus, javelin, and shot put, preparing to compete at the World Para Athletics Championships in London. Unfortunately, part of the throwing cage fell on him during his training session.

The police and the Crown Prosecution Service have confirmed that Keith Davies, identified by authorities as the “head of sport for the 2017 World Paralympic Athletics Championships”, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter as well as breaching health and safety regulations.

“Following a careful examination of the evidence put forth by the Metropolitan Police Service, the Crown Prosecution Service has initiated criminal charges against UK Athletics Limited and a 77-year-old individual in relation to the tragic death of UAE Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei.

“Hayayei, 36, succumbed to injuries when a metal throwing cage collapsed on him during a shot put training session at Newham Leisure Centre in London on 11 July 2017.

“UK Athletics Ltd is facing charges of corporate manslaughter as well as an offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act,” they stated.

“Keith Davies, the former head of sport for the championships at UK Athletics Ltd, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter and violating health and safety laws.”

Officials revealed that both UK Athletics and Davies are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on 31 January.