The 2024 CrossFit Games in Fort Worth, Texas, were abruptly suspended after a tragic incident claimed the life of a participant.
US Magazine reported that the death of Lazar Dukic during the swimming segment of the games has led to a temporary suspension and a review of safety protocols.
The CrossFit Games, a renowned fitness competition, faced an unforeseen tragedy this Thursday when Lazar Dukic, a competitor, drowned while participating in the swimming portion of the event. The incident occurred at the Marine Creek Reservoir, where the first individual event of the games was underway.
The Fort Worth Fire Department and Police were alerted after reports emerged of an athlete going underwater and failing to resurface. Rescue operations were quickly launched to locate the submerged participant.
Despite the immediate response, it took authorities, including a dive team and drones, nearly an hour to recover Dukic’s body from the reservoir. The competition was paused following this distressing event.
Following the incident, the CrossFit community expressed its deep sorrow over the loss of one of its athletes. The games' organizers issued a statement on Instagram, sharing their grief and extending support to the bereaved family.
“CrossFit is deeply saddened by the death of a CrossFit Games competitor during the swimming portion of Individual Event 1 at the 2024 CrossFit Games. We are fully cooperating with authorities and doing everything we can to support the family at this time,” the statement read.
Don Faul, CEO of CrossFit, emphasized the familial nature of the CrossFit community at a press conference, acknowledging the profound impact this tragedy has had on fellow athletes and supporters.
Cole Learn, a fellow CrossFit athlete who witnessed the tragic drowning, shared a harrowing account of the events. Via an Instagram Story video, Learn described the frantic moments when he and others realized the danger Dukic was in.
“We watched Lazar go under and we screamed for some lifeguards, who were pretty far away. So it was tough to do anything else. But we were yelling for lifeguards and unfortunately, they couldn’t hear us and he never came back up,” Learn recounted.
This eyewitness testimony has raised questions about the adequacy of safety measures during the event, despite assurances from the organizers that all necessary precautions were in place.
In the wake of this tragedy, the CrossFit Games faced immediate scrutiny over their safety protocols. Although CrossFit CEO Don Faul asserted that a fully documented safety plan was in effect and that safety personnel were present throughout the event, the incident has led to calls for a thorough review of safety measures.
A significant voice in the online community suggested that the games should be canceled this year to honor Dukic and to allow for a complete operational review. “The games should be canceled this year out of respect and to allow the CrossFit games to completely review their operations and understand how this happened,” a user commented on the official Instagram page of the CrossFit Games.
The remainder of Thursday’s events at the CrossFit Games were suspended, and discussions are ongoing regarding the continuation of the competition, scheduled to conclude on Sunday, August 11.
As the CrossFit Games organizers deliberate on the future steps, the community remains in mourning, and the focus has shifted towards ensuring that such a tragedy does not recur.
The well-being of competitors, as echoed by the CrossFit Games’ statement on Instagram, continues to be their priority, highlighting an ongoing commitment to safety amidst a period of profound loss.
The incident at the 2024 CrossFit Games serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks in competitive sports, prompting a reevaluation of safety practices to prevent future tragedies.
In conclusion, the sudden death of Lazar Dukic has paused the 2024 CrossFit Games, leading to an investigation into the safety measures in place and sparking a broader discussion on athlete safety in high-intensity competitive environments.
