Lazar Đukić: CrossFit athlete dies during live stream of Fort Worth’s Marine Creek Lake event
CrossFit has confirmed an athlete died during an event being streamed online.
The event, near Dallas in Texas, consisted of a 5.6km run before finishing with an 800m swim.
Spectators were glued to the finish line when officials realised a competitor was missing.
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The Fort Worth Fire Department was called to the event after an alarm was raised for “a participant in the water that was down and hadn’t been seen” for some time.
Mr Đukić body was found two hours later.
CrossFit CEO Don Faul released a statement after the body had been located saying: “CrossFit is deeply saddened by the death of a CrossFit Games competitor during the swimming portion of Individual Event 1 at the 2024 CrossFit Games.”
“We are fully cooperating with authorities and doing everything we can to support the family at this time.”
Mr Faul said there was a safety crew despite Mr Đukić going missing during the 800m swim.
“We’re doing everything in our power during this tragic time to support the family, to support our community,” he said.
In the live stream, an athlete could be seen stopping in the water as other swimmers headed for the finish line.
Authorities are yet to confirm if the athlete who stopped in the water was Mr Đukić
Will Compton, a podcaster who was watching the event said: “Can’t fathom being at this race and witnessing this man gasping for air and his body going missing.”
“How in the world did nobody working the CrossFit Games not see this man drowning this close to the finish line???,” he wrote on social media.
A cause of death is yet to be confirmed.
A GoFundMe page has been created for Mr Đukić with creators describing the man as a “beloved friend and elite athlete”.
“Known for his kindness, humour, and supportive nature, Lazar brought a breath of fresh air wherever he went,” the GoFundMe page says.
“Beyond his athletic achievements, Lazar was caring, humorous and relentlessly supported those around him. His warm, supportive nature and quick wit left a lasting impression on everyone he met.”
The GoFundMe has already raised over $270,000.
