CrossFit Games athlete dies during competition at Texas lake

An athlete died Thursday during a swimming competition in a Texas lake on the first day of CrossFit Games – a multiday event that attracts global athletes widely regarded as being among the fittest people in the world.

An athlete died Thursday during a swimming competition in a Texas lake on the first day of CrossFit Games – a multiday event that attracts global athletes widely regarded as being among the fittest people in the world. The athlete who died was Serbia native Lakar Dukic, 28, according to records from the Tarrant County medical examiner’s office. A cause of death was not listed as of Thursday afternoon. Police stationed at the event in Fort Worth received a call just before 7 a.m. about a competitor who “was last seen in the water and … did not resurface,” and that person eventually was pronounced dead at the scene, Fort Worth police said. “Our hearts are with Lazar’s entire family, friends, and fellow athletes,” CrossFit Games said on X. “Out of respect for the family and in cooperation with the Fort Worth Police Department, we will share updates when possible.” The 800-meter swimming portion of Thursday morning’s event was held at Marine Creek Lake, after athletes competed in a 3.5-mile run, according to CrossFit. The remaining events scheduled for Thursday were canceled, its organizers said, adding they would reassess later in the day to determine whether the itinerary for the next three days of the competition will go on as planned. CrossFit Games is a four-day event that attracts athletes from all over the world, and widely regarded as an ultimate test of physical capability.