By: Emily Beers and Teaganne Finn
The 2024 CrossFit Games in Fort Worth, TX, started in tragedy.
While the details are still being sorted, Lazar Đukić, the three-time Games veteran, entered Marine Creek Lake for the second half of Event 1, a 3.5-mile run followed by an 800-meter swim, and did not emerge at the finish.
- CrossFit LLC quickly canceled the first team event and soon went on to cancel the rest of Thursday’s events.
Shocked, devastated, and desperate to do something to help Đukić’s family — his brother Luka Đukić is also competing in Fort Worth — the CrossFit community quickly responded in an effort to help.
The Community Reacts
A GoFundMe was immediately set up, and after just a few hours, it had raised more than $130,000 by the time this article was published.
- FITAID, one of Đukić’s sponsors, contributed $15,000 to the fundraiser, while many of the competitors, including six-time champion Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr and last year’s bronze medalist Arielle Loewen, have shared the link on their social media.
What they’re saying: Prominent brands in the CrossFit space have shared heartfelt words after learning of Đukić’s passing. He was sponsored by several brands, including FitAid, TYR, and WODProofapp.
- “Lazar lit up every room he walked into with his infectious personality and smile,” TYR Sport posted on Instagram.
- Echoing a similar sentiment, FITAID Global Team offered its condolences to Đukić’s family and added that the entire team is “beyond devastated.”
- GORUCK, the official apparel and shoe partner of the Games, issued a statement saying it was deeply saddened by the tragic events.
Current and former Games athletes have also been posting their condolences on social media via Instagram posts, stories, reposts, and more.
- “More than an athlete, Lazar Đukić was a son, brother, devoted partner, and was family to Mayhem,” Rich Froning and Mayhem Athlete wrote on Instagram.
- “Heart-shattering to lose such a wonderful human,” Games veteran Cole Sager wrote in an Instagram story.
- “Devastated,” Jelle Hoste, a second-year competitor, wrote.
- “This is a tragedy, no way around it,” the Buttery Bros wrote. “Our hearts and prayers for the Dukic family and all affected.”
- “In our too few encounters, Lazar was always incredibly kind,” Noah Ohlsen posted. “Along with a big smile on his face, he had a spirit full of joy. He was respected by every one of his fellow competitors and will be deeply missed.”
- In an Instagram story, Pat Vellner wrote: “Hug your loved ones today.”
- “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,” offered the PFAA (Professional Fitness Athletes’ Association).
Worth noting: Rebecca Fuselier, a 2022 Games athlete, also took to social media and put out an open invitation to her gym — CrossFit Bolt, about a 40-minute drive from Fort Worth — for anyone needing support.
Đukić’s death has left the entire community reeling, and this is just the beginning of a long healing process for anyone who is a fan of the sport.
Featured image: @crossfitgames / Instagram
