The CrossFit community was rocked by tragedy on Thursday morning when Serbian competitor Lazar Dukic died while competing in a swimming event at Marine Creek Lake in Fort Worth, Texas. The 28-year-old athlete’s cause of death has not yet been determined, but authorities are conducting an investigation into the incident.
CrossFit CEO Don Faul expressed deep sadness during a news conference, stating that they were working closely with authorities to understand what happened. The Tarrant County medical examiner’s office confirmed Dukic’s identity and is working to determine the cause of his untimely death.
The Fort Worth Fire Department was called to assist police after reports of a participant in the water who had not resurfaced. Despite having safety personnel on site, Dukic’s disappearance was not immediately noticed, leading to a search and rescue operation by emergency responders.
The event where the tragedy occurred included a 3.5-mile run followed by an 800-meter swim, with an estimated 10,000 spectators in attendance. Witness Kaitlin Pritchard described seeing Dukic and other swimmers struggling in the water, noting that lifeguards on paddleboards were present but did not intervene to rescue anyone.
The CrossFit Games, which aim to find the fittest athletes in the world, have been held annually since 2007. Dukic, a rising star in the sport, was ranked third in Serbia and 88th worldwide. He had shown promise in previous competitions, finishing ninth in his debut in 2021 and improving his ranking in subsequent years.
Faul emphasized that the CrossFit community is like a family and is rallying together to support Dukic’s loved ones during this difficult time. The tragic loss serves as a reminder of the risks involved in competitive sports and the importance of prioritizing safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
As the investigation into Lazar Dukic’s death continues, the CrossFit community mourns the loss of a talented athlete and honors his memory by coming together in solidarity and support.