CrossFit Games Suspended After Tragedy During Swimming Event

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While the annual CrossFit Games are usually a place of competition and celebration, the 2024 CrossFit Games are off to a tragic start.

This year's competition kicked off on August 8 in Fort Worth, Texas, with a combination running and swimming event. The swimming portion in Marine Creek Lake was followed by a 3.5-mile run and MetroSerbian CrossFit star Lazar Đukić was last seen about 100 meters from the end of the 800-meter swim. It didn't take long for race organizers to realize Đukić never finished the race.

According to this TMZlive broadcast of the event showed Đukić struggling to stay afloat and eventually sinking under the water near the finish line. Eventually, a spectator was seen diving into the water to rescue the athlete himself. CBS News' First responders were seen in the helicopter pulling a body from the water and placing it in a body bag.

Authorities have not yet identified the body, but it is believed to be Đukić's.

The CrossFit Games addressed the tragedy in a statement just hours after the incident.

“CrossFit is deeply saddened by the death of a CrossFit Games competitor in the swimming portion of Individual Event 1 at the 2024 CrossFit Games,” the note read. “We are cooperating fully with authorities and doing everything we can to support the family at this time.”

“The remainder of today’s events have been suspended,” the statement continued. “The well-being of the competitors is our top priority and we are heartbroken by this tragic event.”

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It is not yet clear whether any security changes will be made to the event going forward.

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