UK Athletics has been formally charged with corporate manslaughter following the death of Paralympic athlete Abdullah Hayayei in 2017. The incident occurred while Hayayei, 36, representing the United Arab Emirates, was preparing for the World Para Athletics Championships in London. During a training session at Newham Leisure Centre, a throwing cage collapsed, causing his death on the spot.

In addition to the charge against the organization, Keith Davies, who was head of sport for the 2017 championships, faces manslaughter and gross negligence charges. Both UK Athletics and Davies have also been charged with breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act. They are expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on January 31.

ABDULLAH HAYAYEI, PARALYMPIAN IN RIO

Hayayei was an outstanding athlete in the shot put, discus and javelin disciplines in the F34 category. He had competed at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, placing sixth in javelin and seventh in shot put. His death represented a significant loss to the international sporting community.

Malcolm McHaffie, head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime Division, said, “Following a review of evidence provided by the Metropolitan Police Service, criminal charges have been authorized against UK Athletics Limited and a 77-year-old man for the death of Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei.” Authorities have urged the public to avoid any comments that may prejudice the ongoing legal proceedings.