Athlete Tragically Dies During CrossFit Games Swim Event in Texas

An athlete has tragically passed away while participating in the CrossFit Games in Texas, organizers have confirmed. Lazar Dukic, a 28-year-old from Serbia, was competing in a swim event on Marine Creek Lake near Fort Worth on Thursday morning when he disappeared beneath the water and did not resurface, according to Fort Worth emergency services officials.

Emergency services were alerted at around 08:00 local time (14:00 BST), and his body was recovered approximately an hour later.

The CrossFit Games released a statement saying, “We are devastated by the passing of Lazar Dukic. Our hearts are with Lazar’s entire family, friends, and fellow athletes. Out of respect for the family and in cooperation with the Fort Worth Police Department, we will share updates when possible.”

All events scheduled for Thursday have been suspended, and organizers are “fully cooperating with authorities” as they investigate the incident.

The CrossFit Games website details the event as comprising a 3.5-mile run followed by an 800m swim.

CrossFit CEO Don Faul described Mr. Dukic as a “loved and respected” member of the fitness community. “There’s a lot of people in the community who are hurting right now,” Faul expressed. “A lot of people are mourning. We want to do everything we can to support the community, to support the family.”

Faul also emphasized that a “fully documented safety plan” had been implemented and that safety personnel were present throughout the event.

A crowdfunding campaign initiated to support Mr. Dukic’s family, initially targeting $200,000 (£157,000), has already surpassed its goal, raising over $211,000.