CrossFit Games Suspended After a Competitor Drowns: 'Deeply Saddened by the Death'

The swimmer was later identified as Lazar Dukic, 28, a resident of Serbia, according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner

The CrossFit Games have ended in tragedy following the unexpected death of a competitor who drowned during the competition taking place in Forth Worth, Texas, causing the event to be suspended.

On Thursday Aug. 8 at 8 a.m. local time, an athlete — later identified as Lazar Dukic — competing in the CrossFit Games died after drowning in Marine Creek Lake, according to CBS News. Both the Fort Worth Fire Department and the Fort Worth Police Department were called to the scene after the swimmer went under water.

Per CBS News, Fort Worth Fire Department spokesperson, Craig Trojacek, said that Dukic's body was found with the help of the police department dive team and drones.

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Representatives from the Fort Worth Fire Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

CrossFit confirmed the news of the drowning in a message on Instagram, while also noting that the Games, which were set to run through Sunday, had been suspended.

“CrossFit is deeply saddened by the death of a CrossFit Games competitor during the swimming portion of Individual Event 1 at the 2024 CrossFit Games,” CrossFit said. “The remainder of today’s events have been suspended. The well-being of competitors is our first priority and we are heartbroken by this tragic event.”

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Per CBS News, the athlete was later identified as Dukic, a 28-year-old resident of Serbia, according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner.

In a message posted to Facebook, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, addressed Dukic’s death and expressed condolences.

“We are profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of a CrossFit athlete during a CrossFit Games swimming event this morning,” Parker said. “Our hearts go out to the athlete's family, friends, and the entire CrossFit community.”

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