Athlete Dies During Swimming Event at CrossFit Games in Texas

Lazar Dukic, of Serbia, 28, died while competing in a CrossFit Games swimming eventat a lake in Texas on Aug. 8, 2024. FITAID via AP

A Serbian athlete died while competing in a swimming event in Fort Worth, Texas, on Aug. 8 that was part of the 2024 CrossFit Games, organizers of the games have said.

In a statement on social media platform X, CrossFit Games said it was “shattered” by the loss of 28-year-old Lazar Dukic, whom it described as “one of our sport’s most talented competitors” and “much more than an athlete.”

The statement went on to describe Dukic as “a son, a brother, and a friend to practically everyone who knew him.”

“Fiercely competitive, incurably joyful, and uncommonly kind, Lazar was the sun of any room he was in,” CrossFit Games continued. “The loss of his light is inconceivable. The first instinct is to shut down. To isolate. To mourn. But the only cure for grief is to grieve. And the best way to grieve is together.”

In an earlier statement, CrossFit Games said Dukic died during the swimming portion of individual event No. 1 at the CrossFit Games.

“We are fully cooperating with authorities and doing everything we can to support the family at this time,” the statement said.

Officials suspended the rest of the day’s events following the man’s death.

“The well-being of competitors is our first priority and we are heartbroken by this tragic event,” CrossFit Games said.

CrossFit Games has not provided further details regarding the cause of Dukic’s death.

According to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner, Dukic died in Marine Creek Lake at 10:34 a.m. local time on Aug. 8.

The exact cause of death is not listed on the medical examiner’s website.

CrossFit Games to Pay Tribute to Athlete

A biography for Dukic on the CrossFit Games website says he was a Serbian CrossFit athlete who had competed in multiple competitions.

In a separate statement on Aug. 8, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker said her office is “profoundly saddened” by the tragic loss of the athlete during the swimming event.

“Our hearts go out to the athlete’s family, friends, and the entire CrossFit community,” the statement said. “We take great pride in being the host city for the CrossFit Games and remain committed to working closely with CrossFit to provide a supportive environment for all athletes, spectators, and visitors.”

Parker’s office added that mental health and grief counselors will be available to support those in need following the athlete’s death.

According to its website, the CrossFit Games is a four-day event that takes place annually and seeks to find the “fittest athletes in the world.”

During the event, athletes test their fitness abilities through a wide range of competitions doing sports such as swimming, weightlifting, cycling, and completing obstacle courses.

The CrossFit Games will be holding a tribute for Dukic on Aug. 9 at 10 p.m. in Dickies Arena, Fort Worth.

The games will also continue as normal on Aug. 9.

“In our community, coming together to do hard things is how we pay tribute,” CrossFit Games said. “In this spirit, we have decided to move forward with the 2024 CrossFit Games. This weekend is dedicated to Lazar Dukic.”