Tragic Incident During Swim Event
A Serbian athlete, Lazar Dukic, 28, tragically died while participating in a swim event at the CrossFit Games in Texas. The incident occurred on Thursday morning at Marine Creek Lake near Fort Worth, where Dukic was competing in the challenging competition. According to Fort Worth emergency services, Dukic disappeared underwater during the swim portion of the event and did not resurface.
Emergency services were alerted around 08:00 local time (14:00 BST), and a body was recovered approximately an hour later. The search operation involved a dive team from the Fort Worth Police Department and drones. The organizers of the CrossFit Games expressed their deep sorrow in a statement, saying, “We are devastated by the passing of Lazar Dukic. Our hearts are with Lazar’s entire family, friends, and fellow athletes.”
Event suspension and safety Measures
In light of the tragedy, the remainder of Thursday’s events was suspended. The CrossFit Games organizers are fully cooperating with authorities and have pledged to share updates as they become available. CrossFit CEO Don Faul described Dukic as a “loved and respected” member of the fitness community, acknowledging the widespread grief among those who knew him. “There’s a lot of people in the community who are hurting right now,” Faul said. “We want to do everything we can to support the community, to support the family.”
Faul also emphasized that a “fully documented safety plan” was in place for the event, with safety personnel present throughout.
Community support and legacy
A crowdfunding campaign to support Dukic’s family quickly surpassed its initial target of $200,000 (£157,000), raising over $211,000. The fundraising page highlighted Dukic’s remarkable impact on those around him, stating, “Known for his kindness, humour, and supportive nature, Lazar brought a breath of fresh air wherever he went. Beyond his athletic achievements, Lazar was caring, humorous, and relentlessly supported those around him.”
Dukic, who debuted at the CrossFit Games in 2021 after a career in water polo in Serbia, was ranked as Serbia’s number one CrossFit athlete from 2017 to 2021. This year, he was ranked third in the country.
About the CrossFit Games
The CrossFit Games, an annual competition featuring various challenging events across multiple disciplines, began on Thursday and were scheduled to conclude on Sunday. Athletes often face unexpected challenges, with the specifics of each stage revealed shortly before the events begin. This year’s games will continue under the shadow of this tragic loss, as the community mourns one of its own.