Autopsy Gives More Clues About Student’s Death at Track Meet

WHEATON, IL — The DuPage County Coroner’s preliminary autopsy investigation into the death of Ethan Roser may provide more insight into the Wheaton College student’s death. Roser, 19, was killed in a hammer throw accident while volunteering at a Wheaton College track meet Saturday.

The initial autopsy indicates that Roser died of head trauma after he was hit “off-angle” by a thrown track and field hammer, Chicago Tribune reported. Wheaton Police Deputy Chief Bill Murphy told CBS Chicago that police are investigating whether criminal negligence was to blame for Roser’s death. Thus far, they have found no evidence suggesting criminal negligence.

Ethan Roser was standing off the field of play when he was struck in the head with a 16-pound track and field hammer. The hammers are heavy metal balls attached to a wire. Athletes spin the hammers repeatedly before releasing them. During the time of the hammer throw accident, Roser was standing near —but not in— the area where the hammers land after they are released, according to ABC News.

The landing area where the accident took place is caged off per NCAA regulations. Patch will keep you updated as we learn more about this incident.