UK Athletics Fined £350,000 for Paralympian's Death

UK Athletics has been fined £350,000 after pleading guilty to corporate manslaughter in connection with the death of Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei, a 36-year-old wheelchair user with cerebral palsy. The incident occurred in 2017 during training for the World Athletics Championships when a metal throw cage collapsed due to strong gusts of wind, striking Hayayei.

Judge Richard Mark KC described the circumstances as tragic and wholly avoidable. The court found that the base plate of the throw cage was not fit for assembly, and safety restraints were improperly used despite previous instances of equipment deployment failures.

Keith Davi, the former head of sport at UK Athletics, received a 175-hour community service order for breaching health and safety laws. The organization attempted to shift blame onto individuals at the venue, which the judge deemed deeply unworthy.

UK Athletics expressed sincere regret over the tragedy and noted its financial position, including a turnover of £13.8 million and project losses, allowing the fine to be paid in installments.