UK Athletics fined over death of UAE Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei

UK Athletics has been fined 350,000 British pounds ($471,000) following the death of United Arab Emirates Paralympic athlete Abdullah Hayayei in 2017. Hayayei, 36, died at the Newham Leisure Centre in London while training for the World Para Athletics Championships when a metal throwing cage collapsed on him.

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There can be no doubt that UK Athletics were grossly negligent in their safety management, which caused the death of a talented athlete.

An investigation by police and health and safety officials revealed that the discus cage was missing essential stabilizing metal lattice base plates. Hayayei, who had competed in javelin and shot put at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games, was pronounced dead at the scene.

UK Athletics pleaded guilty to corporate manslaughter in February. In addition to the fine, the organization was ordered to pay 44,000 pounds ($59,000) in court costs. Keith Davies, the head of sport for the 2017 championships, also pleaded guilty to an offense under the Health and Safety at Work Act and received a community order with 175 hours of unpaid work.

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They left equipment in a seriously unsafe condition, and Mr Hayayei’s death was wholly avoidable.

Colin Gibbs of the Britain Crown Prosecution Service stated, “There can be no doubt that UK Athletics were grossly negligent in their safety management, which caused the death of a talented athlete. They left equipment in a seriously unsafe condition, and Mr Hayayei’s death was wholly avoidable.” UK Athletics issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and acknowledging the failings. “While nothing can undo what happened, there has been a determined focus on learning from these events and ensuring stronger standards and safeguards are in place throughout athletics,” the organization said.

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The failings identified in this case should never have happened. While nothing can undo what happened, there has been a determined focus on learning from these events and ensuring stronger standards and safeguards are in place throughout athletics.