Tragedy strikes as high-ranking athlete dies in US swimming event

Hassan Abdulsalam 16:16 - 09 August 2024

The 28-year-old went underwater and failed to resurface during the competition held at Marine Creek Lake.

CrossFit has confirmed the tragic death of Serbian athlete Lazar Dukic during a swimming event at the 2024 CrossFit Games in Texas.

The 28-year-old went underwater and failed to resurface during the competition held at Marine Creek Lake in Fort Worth on Thursday morning.

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In a statement posted on X, CrossFit expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate incident: "We are devastated by the passing of Lazar Dukic. Our hearts are with Lazar’s entire family, friends, and fellow athletes."

I was a lifeguard while in HS. For 3 years I guarded at a local pond. You have no idea how incensed I am watching this video where there is a clear active drowning victim. This should result in lawsuits and jail time for the people responsible. #CrossFit pic.twitter.com/fIEHXGIHlw
— Adam Mahler (@MahlerAdam) August 8, 2024

The organisation also confirmed full cooperation with authorities and pledged support to the family during this difficult time.

JUST IN: Serbian CrossFit athlete Lazar Dukic disappears under the water just moments before crossing the finish line during the 2024 CrossFit Games.

Dukic’s team told the organizers he didn’t emerge from the water which prompted a dive team to look for him.

"It is our… pic.twitter.com/Q0jcYJfbLf
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 8, 2024

Dukic, a highly regarded athlete, held the third-highest ranking in Serbia and 88th worldwide. He had recently clinched first place at the European CrossFit semi-final.

🛑🛑 Serbian #CrossFit athlete Lazar Dukic (28) disappears under the water just moments before crossing the finish line during the 2024 CrossFit Games.

The CEO of CrossFit confirmed that an athlete tragically died during the swim portion of today's event in FortWorth TX. 🙄🤔🧐 pic.twitter.com/51pLKtXzrK
— Naren Mukherjee (@NMukherjee6) August 9, 2024

As a result of the tragic incident, CrossFit suspended all events for the remainder of Thursday, though the competition is expected to resume as scheduled on Friday.