A Brazilian fitness influencer has been identified as the athlete who died during an Ironman Triathlon on Saturday (April 18).
IRONMAN events are long-distance triathlons run under the World Triathlon Corporation, combining a demanding 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a full 26.22-mile marathon.
The races take place worldwide, with dozens scheduled across multiple regions in 2025, including events in Europe, the US, Australia, and parts of Asia.
This weekend’s race took place in The Woodlands, Texas, but the day’s competition ended in tragedy.
Ironman Texas confirmed on social media that a participant died during the event.
“We are saddened to confirm the death of a race participant during the swim portion of today’s IRONMAN Texas triathlon,” it wrote online.
“We send our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the athlete and will offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time. Our gratitude goes out to the first responders for their assistance.”
Later on April 18, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office posted additional information on Facebook.
“The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office can confirm that a participant in today’s Ironman Triathlon in the Woodlands has drowned while participating in the swim portion of the event,” the statement read.
“The Woodlands Fire Department completed the rescue in Lake Woodlands near North Shore Park. Once it was determined the participant was deceased, The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office began their investigation into this drowning per normal protocols.”
“MCSO Major Crimes detectives are on scene and will continue their investigation,” it added.
Brazilian outlets O Globo and O Dia identified the deceased as Mara Flávia. She was 38 and known as a fitness influencer, with more than 60,000 followers on Instagram.
According to reports, she went underwater not long after the swim segment began, PEOPLE reports.
While other competitors and lifeguards attempted to assist, a dive team later recovered her body at around 9am local time from Lake Woodlands at Northshore Park.
In the wake of the news, tributes and condolences have been left on Mara’s Instagram page.
“Dear Mara, thank you for encouraging and inspiring so many friends in sport. You will never be forgotten!”
“Rest in Peace, Mara,” added another.
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