Oregon teen athlete pierced in eye by javelin at track meet

PORTLAND, Ore. – A teen pierced in the eye with a javelin after he tripped during a Portland track meet has been identified as a graduate of Hood River Valley High School and a member of the team that won the school’s first state title.

Hood River Valley track and field coach Donnie Herneisen said the injured athlete is Parker Kennedy, who recently graduated from the school, KGW-TV reported.

Kennedy won the 5A pole vault at the state championship in the spring.

As of Friday night, Kennedy was in serious condition at a local hospital.

Fire department spokeswoman Cassandra Ulven said the javelin was removed by someone before firefighters arrived.

The 17-year-old was stabilized at the scene but was flown to a hospital because of the traumatic nature of his injuries, officials said.