A Wheaton College freshman was killed when he was struck by a hammer in a freak accident during a track and field event, the school said in a statement.
Ethan Roser, 19, was volunteering at the Illinois university’s Don Church Twilight Meet on Saturday when he was accidentally hit with the metal hammer, which weighs as much as 16 pounds.
Roser, from Cincinnati, Ohio, was treated at the scene by paramedics and transported to Good Samaritan Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“We are deeply grieved, but, because of our faith in Christ, not without hope,” said Wheaton College President Philip Ryken. “We ask people to pray for Ethan’s family, his friends, and our campus community.”
Witnesses said Roser was standing in the middle of the field and “dropped down and then was unresponsive” after being hit, Marcus Malcolm told NBC Chicago.
The school held a vigil for Roser Sunday night.
“He was really encouraging and fun to be around,” said pal Max Schaafsma. “It’s really tough. This is where it happened and it’s crazy to see how life in a moment can go away.”
Family described Roser as a soccer player who was deeply devoted to his faith and was studying to become a minister, the Chicago Tribune reported.
“We know he’s with Jesus,” said Roser’s dad, the Rev. Mark Roser. “And the fact that he’s in paradise is a great source of comfort to us.”