The CrossFit community mourns the sudden death of Serbian athlete Lazar Đukić during a swimming competition in Texas.
Serbian athlete Lazar Đukić, 28, tragically died while competing in a swim event at the CrossFit Games in Fort Worth, leading to the suspension of the day’s events, New York Post reported.
The incident occurred at Marine Creek Lake in Fort Worth, Texas, during the annual CrossFit Games, a multi-day competition that draws thousands of attendees and competitors from around the world. Đukić was competing in an 800-meter swim scheduled to start at 8 a.m. on Thursday.
Ranked third in Serbia and 88th worldwide in the male category, Đukić built a notable international profile as a seasoned CrossFit competitor. Moreover, he shared his excitement about the 2024 Games on social media. Consequently, viewers quickly noticed his disappearance during the swim event due to the live broadcast.
After Đukić unexpectedly disappeared, event organizers and emergency personnel launched a search operation. Consequently, Fort Worth authorities, including seven firefighter units, responded to a distress call about a possible drowning.
Around 10 a.m., approximately two hours after the incident, the search team found Đukić's body, thus confirming the worst fears. As a result, the community immediately suspended the day's events as they grappled with the shock.
The CrossFit Games expressed deep sorrow: "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." Meanwhile, organizers are cooperating with law enforcement and remain committed to supporting Đukić’s family.
As a result, this tragedy has cast a shadow over the CrossFit Games, which were set to run through Sunday with around 10,000 attendees. Consequently, the venue and community mourn, with many sharing condolences and tributes to Đukić.
As the CrossFit community processes this loss, questions about event safety have emerged. Indeed, the global CrossFit community, along with his family and friends, feels the significant impact of Đukić's passing, as many admired him.
Furthermore, this incident has far-reaching effects, impacting competitors, organizers, and fans who have been reminded of the risks in competitive sports.
Lazar Đukić's sudden death shocked the CrossFit community, prompting reflection on athlete safety during competitions. As the community heals from this tragedy, it will remember his contributions and spirit.
Consequently, the CrossFit Games will likely reassess safety protocols to honor Đukić's legacy by ensuring better protection for all athletes.
