A Serbian athlete tragically drowned during a swimming event at the CrossFit Games in Texas on Thursday, according to the organization. The incident took place on the opening day of the competition, which is happening in Fort Worth through the weekend, prompting officials to cancel all events for the remainder of the day.
The athlete has been identified as Lazar Dukic by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner. CrossFit CEO Don Faul expressed his devastation during a press briefing, stating that he is “gutted” by the loss and that the organization will continue to support the community and Dukic’s family through this difficult time.
The drowning occurred Thursday morning at Marine Creek Lake. The Fort Worth Fire Department received a call around 8 a.m. local time about a missing participant. First responders, equipped with dive teams and a drone, located Dukic about an hour later.
His body has been taken to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s office, police reported. Faul noted that many in the community are grieving, highlighting the impact of the loss on those who knew and respected Dukic.
CrossFit is currently cooperating with authorities as they investigate the incident. The swimming event was being livestreamed when it abruptly ceased on Thursday morning, and these live feeds are no longer available on the CrossFit Games’ platforms.
Faul confirmed that safety personnel were present at the event. This year marks the first time in 18 years that the CrossFit Games are being held in Texas, featuring 30 teams from around the world. Faul indicated that the organization will be meeting later to discuss plans for the remaining events.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.