2024 CrossFit Games Competitor Drowns on Opening Day

A competitor in the 2024 CrossFit Games died during a swim event Thursday morning in Texas, officials said.

A livestream of the swim competition held at Marine Creek Lake in Fort Worth on the opening day of the 2024 CrossFit Games Thursday morning appeared to show competitor Lazar Dukic struggling before disappearing under the water near the finish line.

A spectator appeared to jump into the water to assist. Fellow athlete Cole Learn said in a video shared on Instagram that athletes nearby "screamed for some lifeguards," but they were "pretty far away."

The Fort Worth Fire Department responded to the scene, but Dukic never resurfaced. It later appeared a body was being pulled onto a search and rescue boat.

CrossFit CEO Don Faul and Games Director Dave Castro confirmed at a press conference that a competitor died, but did not officially share a name pending family notification.

"We had safety personnel on site throughout the event," Faul said, adding that the event's documented safety plan would be shared with investigating authorities.

"CrossFit is, as you know, is in some ways like a family," Faul said. "People care a lot about each other, and there's a lot of people in the community that are hurting right now."

The remaining Day 1 events were "suspended," according to a statement from the CrossFit Games, but it was unclear if or when they would be rescheduled. The 2024 CrossFit Games were scheduled to run Aug. 8–11. 

"We're doing everything in our power during this tragic time to support the family, to support our community," Faul said.

Story by TMX