CrossFit Games athlete Lazar Dukic drowns during live-streamed swimming event in Lake Fort Worth

FORT WORTH, TEXAS: Serbian athlete Lazar Dukic, 28, was caught on livestream drowning in Marine Creek Lake on Thursday morning, August 8, while participating in a swimming event at the CrossFit Games.

Dukic, a highly regarded athlete who had consistently been in the top 10 at the Games for the previous three years, was competing in a demanding running and swimming event when the incident occurred. The Tarrant County medical examiner confirmed his identity.

What happened to Lazar Dukic?

Lazar Dukic, known for his impressive performances at previous CrossFit Games, was taking part in a run-and-swim event that consisted of a 3.5-mile run followed by an 800-meter swim. According to CrossFit enthusiast Kaitlin Pritchard, Dukic and other athletes came out strong and completed the race in under 30 minutes.

Before the event began, Dukic shared photos on social media, showing his excitement to compete. “I remember seeing him in the warm-up area along with all the other athletes at around 6.30 in the morning,” said Pritchard, who attended the event. “They came out like a cannon, as I expected. It was a 3 1/2 mile race. I think most of them did it in under 30 minutes, which is incredibly fast on a hot day,” Fox reported.

During the swim, Pritchard noticed Dukic struggling, but he didn’t initially perceive it as an emergency. “Several of them, including him, seemed to be having some difficulty swimming, which is not that unusual,” he said. “When they showed it to him, it wasn’t too obvious at the time, there were just certain athletes who changed their swimming form. Some of them were bobbing around and you could tell they were tired.”

The distress call was issued at around 8am when Dukic, 28, who was swimming with a group, went missing near the finish line. Shortly afterwards, spectators, including Pritchard, were asked to leave the area due to an unspecified incident. Emergency services were alerted at 8am and the body was recovered at around 10am. “You don’t think this is going to happen. They are elite athletes,” Pritchard said of the tragedy. “To think that 30 minutes later one of the fittest people in the world was gone just like that.”

Ongoing research

The incident has prompted a thorough investigation by local authorities and event organizers. “We are doing everything in our power during this tragic time to support the family and our community,” said CrossFit CEO Don Faul. “We are collaborating and working very closely with law enforcement in the ensuing investigation.”

Initial reports suggested Dukic had problems during the swim, but this did not immediately indicate a critical situation. In response to the tragedy, the CrossFit Games cancelled Thursday’s events and the rest of the schedule is uncertain.

What are the CrossFit Games?

The CrossFit Games, held in Fort Worth for the first time, are an international competition in which athletes from 33 countries compete for the title of “World’s Fittest.” The four-day event includes rigorous workouts at Dickies Arena and other Fort Worth venues.

“We are fully cooperating with authorities and doing everything we can to support the family at this time,” a statement from the CrossFit Games said. “The well-being of the competitors is our first priority and we are heartbroken by this tragic event.” Social media reveals that Dukic’s brother, Luka, is also in Fort Worth for the Games.

In the wake of the athlete’s death, the Games have focused on providing support and resources to athletes and spectators. “Our hearts go out to the athlete’s family, his friends and the entire CrossFit community,” Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker said in a statement.

“We are proud to be the host city of the CrossFit Games and remain committed to working closely with CrossFit to provide a supportive environment for all athletes, spectators and visitors.”

Internet users are outraged by the negligence at the CrossFit Games

Following the tragic drowning of Serbian athlete Lazar Dukic during the CrossFit Games lake swim, social media has erupted with criticism and questions about the event’s safety measures.

One social media user commented: “If nothing else, putting the swim as the last event is totally reckless. There’s a reason EVERY triathlon starts with the swim.”

Another said: “It takes me a few seconds to realise this. Where were the lifeguards? Where were the other competitors? Where were the event organisers? The safety boats? There should be names of the people responsible for this absolute failure of water safety rules.”

“This is heartbreaking to see,” one user tweeted.

“I’ve been a USA Swimming referee for 20 years. Even the best swimmers can just breathe wrong and struggle. Or suddenly cramp up. My eyes were ALWAYS scanning the pool for any hint of distress. There’s no excuse not to see this swimmer who was struggling for a while in plain sight,” one tweet read.

“I was a lifeguard at a summer camp at a lake and I agree. It’s very obvious that he’s in danger. How come no one was watching him or how could they not notice? I love CrossFit and I love watching the games but this just seems negligent to me,” one user wrote.

“Very unfortunate,” one user said.

“Two judges watching the swimmers finish. Two people on paddle boards next to the buoy that should have kept him in his zone. I don’t understand it,” commented one user.

“This is absolutely outrageous. Negligence of this level is unacceptable. Lives are at stake and those responsible must face serious consequences,” said one user.

“Wow! There are two kayaks about 30 meters away. It’s crazy,” added one commenter.

This article contains comments made online by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot independently confirm them and does not endorse any claims or opinions posted online.