In a horrifying sports accident that has shaken a Russian community, a 13-year-old girl was killed after being struck in the eye by a javelin thrown during a school training session.

Anastasia Ryzhenko died from catastrophic injuries after a javelin thrown by a fellow student hit her in the eye during an unsupervised physical education practice in Prokhladny, Russia, as the Daily Mail reports.

The incident occurred at the Kolos sports school in the Kabardino-Balkaria region during a routine javelin training session. Anastasia, who had dreams like any other teenager, was standing on the field when a 16-year-old male student named Timur threw a javelin that struck her directly in the face.

Witnesses have reported that Timur called out a warning only at the moment of throwing, far too late for Anastasia to react. Her mother, Elena, later shared that Anastasia looked up just as the javelin hit her. She sustained severe trauma, including a broken jaw, internal lung bleeding, and a pierced eye socket.

Lack of supervision blamed

The field used for training was reportedly not a specialized athletic facility but rather an ordinary grassy area. At the time of the incident, coach Vladimir Miroshnichenko, 51, was said to have looked away, leaving both students without supervision at the critical moment.

The Russian Investigative Committee launched an inquiry into the case, focusing on potential failures to follow safety procedures and negligence on the part of the adults responsible. A security guard who allowed access to the field has already been dismissed in connection with the ongoing investigation.

Anastasia was rushed to a hospital in critical condition and placed in a medically induced coma. She remained unconscious for four days, fighting for her life. Tragically, she passed away just before what would have been her 14th birthday on May 31.

Family grieves, seeks accountablity

Anastasia’s grieving mother has spoken out about the absence of empathy from the people she believes should be taking responsibility. Neither the coach nor Timur’s mother visited the family or offered condolences after the fatal accident, she said.

“Not a single one came,” Elena shared. “They didn’t say ‘forgive me’ or ‘excuse me.’ I know it doesn’t bring her back, but as a mother, I would have crawled on my knees asking for forgiveness if it were my child at fault.”

A friend named Darya wrote, “Kingdom of heaven, our baby,” while another friend exclaimed, “We will never forget you, my love.” Elena offered “deepest gratitude” to the medical personnel who tried to save her daughter’s life.

Investigation reveals safety breaches

The Russian Investigative Committee stated that Timur threw the javelin while unsupervised. The organization is gathering testimonies from witnesses, school staff, and ministry officials as it reviews protocols related to student athlete safety.

“The child is dead,” said social activist Anastasia Yemelyanova in a public reaction. “I just can’t wrap my head around how this can happen.” She sharply criticized the lack of preventative measures: “Do you think with your head? You work with children!” She also emphasized that children are not capable of understanding the consequences of their actions in the same way adults are. “If you work with them, you should anticipate everything and follow safety procedures,” she added.

Community reels from loss

The loss of the young girl has left the Prokhladny community stunned. Yemelyanova described it as a “tragedy” that is “beyond the comprehension of any normal person.” Parents and students alike are questioning how such a catastrophic mistake could occur during a school-supervised session. A criminal case has been opened to determine responsibility for the series of failures that led to the deadly accident. The authorities have promised that “actions of those responsible will be given a proper legal assessment.”

Coach Miroshnichenko has so far made no public statements about the fatal training session that ended Anastasia’s life. His silence has only heightened the family’s sense of abandonment and fueled public outrage.

Lessons to learn

1. Always follow safety standards in youth sports environments. Training involving throwing equipment like javelins should only occur under close adult supervision with proper protective measures in place. This incident underscores the catastrophic results when procedures are sidelined.

2. Hold responsible adults accountable in child-centered activities. Coaches and trainers must understand the gravity of working with minors. When lives are at stake, a momentary lapse in supervision can lead to irreversible consequences.

3. Empathy and responsibility go hand-in-hand after a tragedy. While accidents can happen, compassion for the victim’s family and a willingness to take accountability are key parts of healing. But we should always remember — no matter what precautions are taken, tragedy can strike anyone, and blame should never rest on the victim.

Why this story matters

This story brings to light critical deficiencies in student athletic safety protocols and the tragic consequences of neglect.

It emphasizes the need for robust oversight, especially in environments that can quickly turn dangerous without it.

Most importantly, it is a reminder that behind every legal case is a grieving family whose life has been irreparably altered.