UK Athletics and former games head of sport charged with manslaughter over Paralympian's death

8 January 2025, 14:56 | Updated: 8 January 2025, 16:40

UK Athletics Ltd and a former head of sport for a major London games have been charged with manslaughter following the death of Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

United Arab Emirates athlete Mr Hayayei died aged 36 after a metal throwing cage fell on him while he was shot put training at Newham Leisure Centre in London in 2017.

The Paralympian was pronounced dead at the scene after he was struck by a metal pole in the incident.

He was training in preparation to represent his country in the shot put, discus and javelin at the World Para Athletics Championships which began in London later that week.

Teams and coaches from several nations were present at the time of the tragedy.

Keith Davies, 77, the former head of sport for the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter and a health and safety offence.

UK Athletics has been charged with corporate manslaughter and a Health and Safety at Work Act offence.

Both UK Athletics and Davies are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday 31 January.

Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said: "The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active and both UK Athletics Ltd and Davies have the right to a fair trial.

"It is extremely important that there be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

Read more:
Why are there wildfires in January
Body found in search for missing British hikers
British tourist dies in Thailand motorbike crash

The Met Police launched an investigation following Mr Hayayei's death on 11 July 2017, with the Crown Prosecution Service saying today that it has authorised charges following a review of evidence provided by the force.

Mr Hayayei made his Paralympic debut in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and was set to feature in his second World Championships in 2017.

Ed Warner, who was co-chair of London 2017, said after Mr Hayayei's death: "This is a devastating event and everyone within the London 2017 Organising Committee is shocked and saddened.

"We will be working closely with all the competitors and teams over the days ahead to offer support wherever it is needed."

(c) Sky News 2025: UK Athletics and former games head of sport charged with manslaughter over Paralympian's death