CrossFit Games Halted After Tragedy Strikes During Swim Event
The annual CrossFit Games is usually a place for competition and celebration, but the 2024 CrossFit Games have gotten off to a tragic start.
This year's competition kicked off Aug. 8 in Fort Worth, Texas with a combination run and swim event. The swimming portion in Marine Creek Lake came after a 3.5-mile run, and according to Metro, Serbian CrossFit star Lazar Đukić was last seen about 100 meters from the end of the 800-meter swim. It wasn't long until race organizers noticed that Đukić never finished the race.
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According to TMZ, a livestream of the event showed what appeared to be Đukić struggling to stay afloat and finally sinking under the surface near the finish line. Eventually, a spectator is seen diving into the water to try to rescue the athlete themself. CBS News' helicopter witnessed first responders pull a body out of the water and put it into a bodybag.
If you look to the far right you can see what looks to be a spectator jump in the water. Hearing Lazar is still missing. Hope everybody’s okay, scary stuff. #crossfit #crossfitgames #runswim pic.twitter.com/WbnNnsCphO
— Cameron Hogg (@Camhogg70) August 8, 2024
Whilst everyone is watching Tia race for the finish. Including it appears the @CrossFitGames safety team. lazar dukic is left to drown with apparantely spectators being turned away from attempting a rescue. #Lazar #LazarDukic #FortWorth #CrossfitGames pic.twitter.com/jsE71RQF9r
— Diverbuzz (@diverbuzz) August 8, 2024
Lazar Dukic gasped for air and appeared to drown before the finish line. It's messed up that Crossfit Games didn't have lifeguards on jet skis. A spectator jumped in to help but was turned away by a lifeguard on a paddle board. Heartbroken. @CrossFitGames #crossfitgames pic.twitter.com/GPIAGJ9cwD
— R0WLLER (@R0WLLER) August 8, 2024
UPDATES: Rescue crews appeared to pull a body from the Fort Worth lake where a CrossFit Games event was being held this morning. Crews had responded to a drowning call at the lake around 8 a.m.
— WFAA (@wfaa) August 8, 2024
Latest: https://t.co/GitHyTe3l4 pic.twitter.com/EYhtLg1VDK
Authorities have not officially released the identity of the body, although it is presumed to be Đukić's.
CrossFit Games addressed the tragedy in a statement released a few hours later.
"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," the note read. "We are fully cooperating with authorities and doing everything we can to support the family at this time."
"The remainder of today's events have been suspended," the statement continued. "The well-being of competitors is our first priority and we are heartbroken by this tragic event."
It remains to be seen if any safety changes will made at the event moving forward.