The incident occurred at Newham Leisure Centre in London, a designated training venue for the World Para Athletics Championships. Hayayei, who competed in F34 shot put, discus, and javelin events, was struck on the head by the collapsing structure during practice and died 20 minutes later despite attempts by spectators and paramedics to save him.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated that key stabilising components of the cage ten ladder-like metal connectors linking the base and posts had been missing or unused for around five years, significantly reducing the structure’s stability. Investigators concluded that UK Athletics’ management of the training equipment was grossly negligent, exposing athletes to an obvious and serious risk of death.
Keith Davies, head of sport for the event, also entered a guilty plea to a Health and Safety at Work Act offence, though a separate gross negligence manslaughter charge against him was dropped.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date, with potential fines for corporate manslaughter for a medium-sized organisation ranging between £1.2 million and £5 million, though early guilty pleas can reduce penalties by 25 per cent. For UKA, the fine will still represent a significant financial burden, despite the governing body returning to profit in 2025 after several years of losses.
In a statement, UK Athletics said: “Our deepest thoughts and sympathy remain with Mr Hayayei’s family, friends, and team-mates. We deeply regret that this tragic incident occurred.”
Colin Gibbs, senior specialist prosecutor at the CPS, emphasised the preventable nature of Hayayei’s death, noting: “UK Athletics were grossly negligent in their safety management, leaving equipment in a dangerously unsafe condition. His death was wholly avoidable.”
Detective Sergeant Brett Hagen, who led the investigation, praised the perseverance of investigators and described the case as “highly complex,” involving detailed engineering assessments, over 1,500 documents, 160 statements, more than 80 witness interviews, and multiple expert reports.
A moment of silence was held for Hayayei at the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships opening ceremony in London, reflecting the global impact of his loss.
