Abdullah Hayayei, a multi-talented F34 javelin, discus, and shot put thrower from the United Arab Emirates, was killed at the Newham Leisure Centre whilst training for the World Para-athletics Championships in London.
Hayayei, who made his Paralympic debut at Rio 2016 finishing sixth in the javelin F34 and seventh in shot put F34, was pronounced dead on Tuesday after the discus throwing cage he was practising in collapsed on the athlete’s head.
The Health and Safety Executive and the Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into the matter, with the UAE team still set to compete in spite of the devastating events. An official statement made by the International Paralympic Committe can be read on the following link:
Our thoughts & condolences are with the family, friends & teammates of UAE's Abdullah Hayayei at this tragic time.https://t.co/H43r57vIog
— World Para Athletics (@ParaAthletics) July 11, 2017
A loving father of five whose commitment to his country and the sport he loved was second-to-none, a moment of silence will be held in Abdullah’s honour during Friday’s opening ceremony at London Stadium.