Fort Worth, Texas
9th August, 2024
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Serbian athlete Lazar Dukic tragically lost his life during the swimming portion of a triathlon event at the 2024 CrossFit Games in Fort Worth, Texas. The 28-year-old competitor, who was known for his dedication and athletic prowess, drowned in Marine Creek Lake during the prestigious competition on August 8, 2024.
The tragedy occurred on the first day of the CrossFit Games, an event that attracts elite athletes from around the globe to compete in a variety of demanding physical challenges. The triathlon event, which included a 3.5-mile run and an 800-meter swim, proved fatal for Dukic.
At approximately 8 a.m. local time, Dukic went missing during the swim portion of the event. Witnesses, including Ontario CrossFit athlete Cole Learn, reported seeing Dukic struggle in the water before disappearing beneath the surface. Despite the presence of lifeguards and extensive safety measures, Dukic did not resurface, prompting immediate concern among onlookers and officials.
Emergency services were quickly alerted, and a large-scale search operation was launched to find the missing athlete. Dive teams and drones were deployed to scour the lake for Dukic. About an hour later, rescue teams recovered his body from the water. Tragically, despite their efforts, Dukic was pronounced dead at the scene by the Tarrant County medical examiner.
In response to the incident, CrossFit Games organizers promptly canceled all events scheduled for the remainder of the day. This decision was made as a mark of respect for Dukic and to allow the community time to grieve. CrossFit CEO Don Faul expressed his deep sorrow and extended condolences to Dukic’s family, stating that the organization is fully cooperating with authorities in the ongoing investigation.
The news of Lazar Dukic’s untimely death has sent shockwaves through the CrossFit community. Dukic, who was competing in his fourth CrossFit Games, was a highly respected and admired figure in the sport. His previous top ten finishes in the 2021, 2022, and 2023 Games underscored his status as one of the top competitors in the world.In the wake of his passing, fellow athletes, fans, and members of the global CrossFit community have shared tributes and expressed their grief. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages honoring Dukic’s memory and celebrating his achievements.
The tragic incident has also raised concerns about the safety protocols in place during high-stakes competitions like the CrossFit Games. Some in the community have questioned the response time and the overall effectiveness of the safety measures employed during the event. These concerns have sparked calls for a thorough review of the protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Lazar Dukic’s death is a profound loss, not only to the CrossFit community but to the entire sports world. As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event, the focus remains on honoring Dukic’s legacy and ensuring that athletes can compete safely in the future.
Resources:
1.https://parade.com/news/athlete-lazar-dukic-drowns-fort-worth-texas-crossfit-competition-death-2024
2.https://heavy.com/sports/lazar-dukic-video/
3.https://www.marca.com/en/more-sports/2024/08/09/66b627cae2704e404c8b45a0.html
5.https://www.newsweek.com/lazar-dukic-crossfit-games-death-drowning-1936670