Update 4 (5:43 p.m. EST): CrossFit released an official statement on its Instagram:
“We are devastated by the passing of Lazar Đukić. Our hearts are with Lazar’s entire family, friends, and fellow athletes,” the statement says. “Out of respect for the family and in cooperation with the Fort Worth Police Department, we will share updates when possible.”
Update 3 (5:18 p.m. EST): The Professional Fitness Athletes Association released a statement on Instagram, saying: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Lazar, a friend, an amazing competitor, and a member of our Athlete Board. If you are an athlete competing this weekend that needs support, reach out to us.”
Update 2 (1:00 p.m. EST): During a press briefing, CrossFit CEO Don Faul confirmed that an athlete died during the swim portion of the first event of the CrossFit Games. Faul also confirmed that the rest of day one of the competition has been suspended.
Update 1 (11:40 a.m. EST): CBS News Texas and Morning Chalk Up staff on-site in Fort Worth, TX, report that a body was pulled out of the Marine Creek Reservoir.
Original story (8/8/2024 10:30 a.m. EST): One by one, athletes exited the water to jog up the ramp to the finish line to complete Event 1 on Thursday morning at the 2024 CrossFit Games in Fort Worth, TX.
As the dust settled on the 3.5-mile run and 800-meter swim, event organizers realized athlete Lazar Đukić hadn’t finished. Đukić was last seen on the live stream at approximately 38:02, about 100 meters from the finish.
The team event, scheduled to start at 8 a.m. local time, has been canceled, and spectators have been asked to leave.
Police and search and rescue teams are on site. This is a developing story, and we will continue covering it as details become available.
- Remembering Lazar Đukić: A Tribute
- Athletes Withdraw From 2024 CrossFit Games Following Death of Lazar Đukić
- CrossFit Community Reacts to Lazar Đukić’s Death
- “Thank You, & I’m Sorry”: CrossFit Director of Sport Dave Castro Speaks on Lazar Đukić’s Death
- “You Loved the Sport That Didn’t Love You Back”: Luka Đukić Comments on Brother Lazar’s Death
Featured image: Joe Genetin-Pilawa