A REFEREE at a top athletics event was killed when he was hit on the head with a shot put.

Paul Suzuki, 77, never regained consciousness after the devastating throw by 19-year-old Pat Whalen during a practice session.

Horrified spectators said the impact sounded like "a gun shot" or "a pole-vaulter's pole snapping". The tragedy happened at the US junior track and field championships in Carson, California.

Whalen didn't realise Suzuki was in range - about 50ft from the shot put circle.

He is believed to have been walking over to talk to another referee.

Official Bob Marcus said: "It's absolutely not Pat's fault - but he must be absolutely devastated.

"It's not something that he's supposed to pay attention to. It's the people in the field who have to be alert."

A US track and field association spokesman expressed sympathy to Suzuki's family.