Disturbing footage has surfaced capturing the moment an athlete appeared to vanish beneath the water during the CrossFit Games.
Lazar Dukic was participating in a swimming competition at Marine Creek Lake, close to Fort Worth, Texas, on the morning of August 8, when he failed to reappear 100 meters from the finish line.
Fort Worth emergency services officials reported that the 28-year-old Serbian athlete went underwater and did not reemerge.
Emergency services were alerted to the incident at around 8am local time, and it took approximately an hour to recover Dukic’s body.
The search operation included a dive team from the Fort Worth Police Department, as well as the use of drones.
Initially, the CrossFit Games were suspended and presumed canceled to allow organizers to ‘fully cooperate with authorities’. However, the event will now continue this morning, August 9.
A statement from the organization’s PR firm read: “After careful thought and many conversations internally, with athletes, and with Lazar Đukić’s family, it’s been decided that the CrossFit Games will continue throughout the remainder of the weekend at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.”
The event released the following statement on August 8: “We are devastated by the passing of Lazar Dukic.
“Our hearts are with Lazar’s entire family, friends, and fellow athletes.
“Out of respect for the family and in cooperation with the Fort Worth Police Department, we will share updates when possible.”
A GoFundMe page has been established by his sponsors and long-term partners to provide support for Dukic’s family.
The page stated: “Known for his kindness, humor, and supportive nature, Lazar brought a breath of fresh air wherever he went.
“Beyond his athletic achievements, Lazar was caring, humorous and relentlessly supported those around him. His warm, supportive nature and quick wit left a lasting impression on everyone he met.”
The mayor of Fort Worth, Mattie Parker, said, as reported by CBS News, that the city is offering mental health and grief counseling to those affected by Dukic’s death.
Parker remarked yesterday: “We are profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of a CrossFit athlete during a CrossFit Games swimming event this morning.
“Our hearts go out to the athlete’s family, friends, and the entire CrossFit community.”
Today’s sporting events will commence with a special tribute honoring Dukic at Dickies Arena at 10am local time.