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Updated: June 23, 2005, 10:31 AM ET
Man rushed to hospital after getting hitESPN.com news services
CARSON, Calif. -- A man was struck in the head by a shot put on Wednesday during warmups for the U.S. track and field championships and later died.
The Los Angeles Times reported on its Web site that 77-year-old Paul Suzuki of West Los Angeles, who had officiated at local track and field meets for decades, died at Harbor UCLA Medical Center. No official confirmation was available.
The man was rushed to a hospital, and his condition was not immediately known, according to . It was not immediately clear whether the man was a meet official, Geer said.
The injury occurred about 4:15 p.m. at the Home Depot Center, where the championships will be held Thursday through Sunday.
An Associated Press photographer at the track said the man collapsed about 20 feet from the shot put ring. Jill Geer, director of communications for USA Track and Field, said a doctor was on site and immediately began treatment. Athletic trainers also ran to the man's aid. Emergency medical technicians arrived within about five minutes and took the injured man away.
Carson firefighter Robert Bruce told the Times the man "was in dire straits when we showed up. It was obvious that he had a severe injury to his head".
Bruce said the man stopped breathing en route to the hospital.
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