An athlete tragically passed away on Thursday during a swimming competition at a Texas lake on the opening day of the CrossFit Games, a multi-day event known for attracting some of the fittest individuals from around the globe.
The deceased has been identified as Lazar Dukic, a 28-year-old native of Serbia, according to records from the Tarrant County medical examiner’s office. The cause of death had not been determined as of Thursday afternoon.
Police present at the Fort Worth event received a report just before 7 a.m. about a competitor who “was last seen in the water and did not resurface.” That individual was later pronounced dead at the scene, according to Fort Worth police.
“Our hearts go out to Lazar’s family, friends, and fellow athletes,” CrossFit Games shared on social media platform X. “Out of respect for the family and in coordination with the Fort Worth Police Department, we will provide updates when we can.”
The 800-meter swimming segment of Thursday’s competition took place at Marine Creek Lake, following a 3.5-mile running event, as detailed by CrossFit. Organizers announced the cancellation of the remaining events for Thursday, stating they would reassess the situation later to determine whether the upcoming three days of competition could proceed as scheduled.
The CrossFit Games is a four-day event that draws athletes from around the world, often regarded as the ultimate test of physical prowess.
In a press conference, CrossFit CEO Don Faul expressed his devastation over the incident, stating that the fitness organization is “doing everything we can during this tragic time to support the family and our community.”
Faul emphasized that “extensive planning” goes into each CrossFit Games event, which includes a documented safety plan with personnel present throughout. The circumstances surrounding the planning and execution of the event will be investigated following Thursday’s tragedy.
Dukic was pronounced dead at 10:24 a.m., according to the medical examiner’s office.
The incident is currently under investigation, with homicide detectives informed about the case, police said.
CrossFit confirmed on Thursday that it is “fully cooperating with authorities and doing everything we can to support the family at this time.”
The Fort Worth Fire Department responded to the site after the 911 call specifically as a “search and rescue-type resource,” as spokesperson Craig Trojacek explained at the press conference.
“We deployed our dive teams and utilized drones from our arson investigators to help locate the missing person,” Trojacek stated. “We ultimately retrieved the body from the water just over an hour after our first diver entered.”
A homicide unit from the police arrived on the scene after the athlete’s body was recovered, Fort Worth police Sgt. Lee Wagner noted.
“It has been a terrible day for everyone involved in these events, and it breaks our hearts to witness the mourning that has occurred today,” Wagner said during the press conference.
The FITAID performance energy drink brand shared on Facebook that Dukic was a “beloved member of our team and has been like family over the years. Our hearts are broken.”
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up by FITAID for Dukic’s family. The GoFundMe page describes the athlete as “known for his kindness, humor, and supportive nature.”
“After years of passionately playing water polo in his home country of Serbia, his participation in the 2021 CrossFit Games marked the beginning of a remarkable career. He shared a close bond with his brother Luka, introducing him to CrossFit and guiding him along the way,” the fundraiser statement reads.
Cole Learn, a CrossFit Games athlete who witnessed the incident, expressed his devastation over Dukic’s death in an interview with CNN affiliate WFAA.
“Not sure what to think – I’m almost in denial,” Learn, from Ontario, Canada, said.
He mentioned breaking down in tears, shocked by the loss of his fellow competitor.
“I saw him start to struggle in the water,” Learn recalled. “He was trying to keep his head above water. At that moment, we started yelling to the lifeguard for help, but within seconds, he went under and did not resurface.”
Learn added that watching Dukic’s brother, who was also competing in the CrossFit Games, “run around looking for him is something I will carry with me for a long time.”
