Tragedy struck the CrossFit Video games at Marine Creek Lake in Fort Price on Thursday morning when 28-year-old Serbian athlete Lazar Đukić drowned throughout a contest.
Dukic was taking part in a run-swim occasion that included a 3.5-mile run adopted by an 800m swim. However he went lacking close to the end line round 8 a.m. whereas swimming with different rivals, in response to occasion organizers. His physique was recovered 2 hours later and later recognized by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner.
An investigation is already underway. Occasion organizers stated they have been “deeply saddened” by Đukić’s demise, and initially canceled the remaining competitions scheduled for Friday and the remainder of the weekend. However they later determined to maneuver ahead with the occasion anyway, CBS Information reported.
Based on CrossFit organizers, a particular tribute would honor Đukić on Friday morning earlier than persevering with with the occasion.
However some athletes and observers have questioned why the occasion is continuous — and the way security measures failed to stop it. The occasion was live-streamed, and video seems to indicate Đukić struggling as he nears the end line.
Editor’s notice: This video accommodates scenes of Đukić struggling within the water that could be disturbing.
Questions About Occasion’s Security Measures
Earlier than arriving in Fort Price, Đukić had shared his pleasure in regards to the competitors on social media. The Serbian athlete was the Europe Semifinal champion and the three-time Semifinals King of Europe. His efficiency at this 12 months’s Europe Semifinal earned him a fourth ticket to the 2024 CrossFit Video games.
“It’s the one factor I’m good at, so why not simply do it?” Đukić stated in a tribute video posted to Instagram on Friday.
As tributes to the athlete started pouring in on social media, questions started circulating about how Đukić might have died whereas taking part in a extremely managed occasion.
CrossFit CEO Dan Faul stated his group had created a security plan that concerned security personnel on-site in the course of the occasion. However CrossFit has not but launched particulars on that plan, The Related Press reported.
A dive group from the Fort Price Hearth Division responded to an 8 a.m. name Friday morning, a spokesman instructed GearJunkie. They arrived on scene by 8:26 a.m., but it surely was too late to assist Đukić. CrossFit had a group of lifeguards and medical personnel on website, division spokesman Craig Trojacek stated, however nobody from the town’s fireplace division.
“We weren’t requested to be there on standby,” Trojacek stated. “That’s depending on the host of the occasion and what their ask is.”
In an Instagram put up, fellow CrossFit athlete Chandler Smith questioned the group’s determination to maneuver ahead with the competitors within the wake of Đukić’s demise.
“Within the quick aftermath of all this I’m very annoyed,” Smith wrote. “Military threat evaluation worksheets have made me very cautious across the water so it’s disappointing when one thing that feels this avoidable happens.”
Assist for Đukić’s Household
Đukić’s household created a GoFundMe marketing campaign to assist help his family members throughout this tough time. As of Friday morning, the marketing campaign had already raised over $280,000 of an preliminary objective of $200,000.
“To his girlfriend Anja, brother Luka, family and friends, we lengthen our deepest condolences,” stated the marketing campaign, which was organized by Đukić’s sponsors FITAID and GOWOD. “Lazar’s legacy of approaching life with kindness and humor will all the time be remembered.”
A press release from the Metropolis of Fort Price stated it could present help to Đukić’s household, associates and the CrossFit neighborhood.
“Now we have coordinated psychological well being and grief counselors to help these in want throughout this tough time,” Mayor Mattie Parker stated within the joint assertion with the town’s tourism division.
Because the information of Đukić’s demise unfold throughout social media Friday, many observers proceed to query the way it occurred.