CrossFit Games: Lazar Dukic drowns in Fort Worth lake during swimming event

An athlete drowned during a CrossFit Games competition at Marine Creek Lake in Fort Worth on Thursday morning.

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[FlyGuy]

There is a very good reason that IronMan triathlons put the swimming event first before the bicycle and running events.

[scottgarner]

Where were officials and lifeguards. NOBODY should drown in a sanctioned sporting event.

[mrsTraveller]

it is very obvious from the drowning video to see what went wrong; the lifeguards were following the competition, looking all the time at the competitors who came close to the shore, they never kept an eye on the other swimmers!!!! They were just staring down on the two closest swimmers. He died because unprofessional lifeguards didn't care.

[danieljw]

My guess is it was "SIPE" or a cardiac problem. He was an ex pro water polo player, amazing swimmer and athlete. RIP Lazar 💔

[jessicadunham]

The fact the life guard didn’t dive in the water after being told by that guy on the side is incredibly depressing! She failed humanity, I’m sorry. You at least dive in the water and TRY to find that poor man that drown!!!

[samkitty]

He was visibly struggling and no one felt it was time to save him? This is criminal. I hope that whoever organized this gets sued big time.

[darbyking-maillot]

How did they not have enough qualified lifeguards and support staff!!

[maximusprimus]

Why is this event being held in Texas in August? It was over 100 degrees in Fort Worth today.

[lc_]

I disagree. I'm not trained, and I could see in the video that he was in trouble... he was near the end, there were many people watching and yet nobody did a thing. Absolutely disgraceful!

[Neutral_Views]

The Hosting Authority should be held solely accountable, as it is utterly unbothered to send the speedboats & swimmers into rescue. Pathetic 👎

[rachelduke]

My condolences to the athlete's family and loved ones. ❤

[dr.jamesmorris]

This is tragic. Why didn’t they have boats closely monitoring the swimmers especially under these stressful conditions of the competition.

[arturopuebla]

I remember swimming too far and my legs tired. I wanted you to stop but I knew I would die. I haven’t swim that far since then. The fear is horrible I Cant imagine the pain and fear he felt. Since his ended in death terrible

[ianm]

No trying to be offensive but I guess that’s why in triathlon and duathlon you generally do the swim first - to reduce the likelihood of these kinds of incidents. Also where was the safety staff there should have been staff propositioned on the lake on boards or kayaks to assist anyone in distress. This should never happen especially at an elite level event.

[michaelangelo]

So sad. May God heal the broken hearts of his family and friends.

[FerrisBFerris]

So sad. They should have kept it in Wisconsin. They took care of the athletes 😢

[ruth]

They are SUPPOSED to have small boats along the swim way and people on kayaks ready to pull people out of water. Also, there are snakes and other animals in the water because its not a pool.... why were there no buoys for them to hold onto just to get a breather and then go on???? I dont get it. This is why people fear crossfit.

[ftakenouchi]

Gross negligence by CFHQ…EVIDENCE ALL OVER X. big lawsuit coming. Sad.

[BuffPomsky]

Dont blame the lifeguards, they were volunteers.

Blame the organization hosts for hiring volunteers in the first place and not taking heat into consideration placing swimming AFTER running!!!

[zcvxs]

It is a good question of why there were no life boats over the course watching the athletes