In a heartbreaking turn of events, Serbian athlete Lazar Dukic drowned during a swimming event at the 2024 CrossFit Games in Fort Worth, Texas. The incident occurred on the morning of August 8, 2024, at Marine Creek Lake, where Dukic was competing in a run-swim event.
The competition, which features a 3.5-mile run followed by an 800-meter swim, was being held in Fort Worth for the first time. Dukic, 28, was seen struggling in the water just moments before crossing the finish line. Eyewitnesses reported that the situation unfolded rapidly, leaving spectators and rescuers in shock.
Fort Worth Fire Department officials were alerted at 8 a.m. and launched an extensive search operation involving boats, dive teams, and drones. Tragically, Dukic’s body was found after an hour-long search. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed his identity but has yet to determine the official cause of death.
Cole Learn, a fellow CrossFit enthusiast, recounted the harrowing scene: “Lazar seemed to be struggling, doing circles and trying to get air. It all happened so fast. We screamed for the lifeguards, but they were focused on the finish line, which may have delayed their response.”
CrossFit CEO Don Faul expressed his profound sadness, stating, “CrossFit is like a family. We are all deeply hurt by this tragedy. Lazar was loved and respected by many in the community, and his loss is deeply felt.”
The 2024 CrossFit Games, which were set to run through the weekend, have been overshadowed by this tragic incident. The CrossFit community, along with friends and family of Dukic, are mourning the loss of a talented athlete and cherished individual.
