Tragedy struck the first event of the 2024 CrossFit Games on Thursday as emergency responders were called to a suspected drowning during the run-swim event at Marine Creek Lake, Texas. Reports have now been confirmed that Serbian competitor Lazar Dukic has died while taking part in a swimming event.
Witnesses reported that as the event – a 3.5-mile run followed by an 800m swim – came to a close, not all athletes were accounted for. After launching a search with a dive team and drones, the athlete’s body was found around an hour after the first divers went into the water. The medical examiner’s office has not yet listed the cause of Đukić’s death.
CrossFit Games athlete Cole Learn who was present during the incident took to social media to share his experience of the event, stating that he and other athletes were “yelling for lifeguards” after witnessing Đukić going under. Learn, visibly shaken, shared in the Instagram post that he didn’t see Đukić resurface.
The rest of the events on day one of the games were cancelled after the death was confirmed.
Speaking at a news conference, CrossFit chief executive Don Faul said the organisers were “deeply saddened” by the death and were working with the authorities on the subsequent investigation. ‘We’re doing everything in our power during this tragic time to support the family, to support our community,’ said Faul.
CrossFit have since released a statement via the official CrossFit Games Instagram, and in collaboration with director of the Games, Dave Castro, stating:
‘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 remainder of today’s events have been suspended. The well-being of competitors is our first priority and we are heartbroken by this tragic event.’
Is the CrossFit Games 2024 Still Going to Go Ahead?
According to an official statement The 2024 CrossFit Games will resume on Friday.
Despite all events being suspended in the aftermath of the tragedy, CrossFit HQ issued the following statement On Thursday night:
“After careful thought and many conversations internally, with athletes, and with Lazar Đukić’s family, it’s been decided that the CrossFit Games will continue throughout the remainder of the weekend at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.”
CrossFit have announced that the events on Friday will begin with a tribute to Đukić, before the following schedule resumes (times adjusted for GMT):
- 15:00 – Special tribute honouring Lazar Đukić
- 16:00 – Team event
- 17:20 – Individual event
- 21:50 – Team event
- 22:35 – Individual event
- 00:55 – Team event at Farrington Field
- 01:35 – Individual event at Farrington Field
- 02.00 – Competition ends for the day
This is a developing story and we will continue to add to it as more information emerges.
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