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

FORT WORTH, TEXAS: Serbian athlete Lazar Dukic, 28, was captured on a live stream drowning at Marine Creek Lake on Thursday morning, August 8, while taking part in a swimming event at the CrossFit Games.

Dukic, a well-regarded athlete who had been consistently placed in the Top 10 at the Games in the previous 3 years, was competing in a challenging run-swim event when the incident occurred. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner has confirmed his identity.

What happened to Lazar Dukic?

Lazar Dukic, celebrated for his impressive performances in past CrossFit Games, was participating in a run-swim event consisting of a 3.5-mile run followed by an 800-meter swim. According to CrossFit enthusiast Kaitlin Pritchard, Dukic and other athletes set off energetically, completing the run in under 30 minutes. 

Before the event started, Dukic shared photos on social media, showcasing his excitement to compete. "I recall seeing him in the warm-up area along with all the other athlete at about 6.30 in the morning," said Pritchard who attended the event. "They took off like a cannon, like I expected. It was a 3 and half mile run. I think most of them did it in under 30 minutes, which is incredibly fast on a hot day," reported Fox.

During the swim, Pritchard observed Dukic struggling but did not initially perceive it as an emergency. "There were several of them, him included, who looked like they were struggling a little bit with the swim, which is not that uncommon," she said. "When they showed him it wasn’t super obvious at that time, there were just certain athletes changing up how they were swimming. Some of them were kind of bobbing, and you could just tell they were tired."

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

Ongoing investigation

The incident has prompted a thorough investigation by local authorities and event organizers. "We're doing everything in our power. During this tragic time to support the family, to support our community," said CEO of CrossFit, Don Faul. "We are collaborating and working very closely with the authorities on the follow on investigation."

Initial reports suggest Dukic struggled during the swim, but this did not immediately signal a critical situation. In response to the tragedy, the CrossFit Games have canceled Thursday’s events, with the remainder of the schedule uncertain.

What is The CrossFit Games?

The CrossFit Games, being held in Fort Worth for the first time, is an international competition where athletes from 33 countries compete for the title of 'Fittest on Earth'. The four-day event includes rigorous workouts at Dickies Arena and other locations around Fort Worth.

"We are fully cooperating with authorities and doing everything we can to support the family at this time," claimed a statement from The CrossFit Games. "The well-being of 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 light of the athlete's death, the Games have focused on providing support and resources for athletes and spectators. "Our hearts go out to the athlete’s family, friends and the entire CrossFit community," announced Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker in a statement.

"We take pride in being the host city for the CrossFit Games and remain committed to working closely with CrossFit to provide a supportive environment for all athletes spectators and visitors."

Netizens fume over negligence at CrossFit Games

In the wake of the tragic drowning of Serbian athlete Lazar Dukic during the CrossFit Games swimming event, social media erupted with criticism and questions about the event's safety measures on X.

A social media user commented, "If nothing else, putting the swim as the last event is sheer recklessness. There’s a reason ALL triathlons start with the swim."

Another said, "It takes me seconds to recognize this. Where were the lifeguards? Where were the other competitors? Where were the event organizers? The safety boats? There had better be names of the people accountable for this absolute miscarriage of water safety standards."

"That is heartbreaking to watch," tweeted one user.

"Been a USA swim official for 20 years. Even the best swimmers can simply breathe wrong and find themselves in trouble. Or cramp up suddenly. My eyes were ALWAYS scanning the pool for any indication of distress. No excuse to miss this swimmer who was struggling for some time in plain view," read a tweet.

"Was a lifeguard at a lake summer camp and agree. It’s very obvious he’s in distress. How was there nobody watching or how did they miss this. I love CrossFit and love watching the games but this looks to be negligent to me," penned a user.

"Very unfortunate," claimed a user.

"Two judges watching the swimmers come in. Two people on paddle boards next to the buoy that should have had him in their zone. I don’t get it," chimed a user.

"This is absolutely infuriating. Negligence on this level is unacceptable. Lives are at stake, and those responsible need to face serious consequences," said a user.

"Wow there are 2 kayaks within like 100 feet of it happening. Crazy," added a comment.

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