The CrossFit Games are paused after a tragic death

SERBIAN CROSSFIT ATHLETE Lazar Đukić drowned today during the first event of the 2024 CrossFit Games. He was reportedly seen struggling in the water during the CrossFit live stream.

The event began at 7 a.m. local time (8 a.m. EST). CrossFit CEO Don Faul officially announced that an athlete has died during a press conference streamed by WFAA around 12:30 p.m. EST.

Faul also announced that the remaining first day events have been canceled. “We will remain focused on supporting our community and family during these tragic circumstances,” he said on the livestream.

Details surrounding the event are still being developed. Here’s what we know so far:

• The first event consisted of a 3.5-mile run, followed by an 800-meter timed swim. It started at 7 a.m. local time (CST) at Marine Creek Lake in Fort Worth, Texas.

• Local authorities received a call around 8 a.m. after officers discovered that Dukic had not finished the event.

• CBS News Texas Then it was reported that around 8 a.m. an athlete had drowned and a body had been removed from the lake in a body bag.

Shortly after the news broke, there was a mix of sadness and anger online, with many commenters questioning whether CrossFit had done enough to ensure the safety of athletes. During the live streaming conference, Faul said:

“We have a fully documented safety plan for an event like this. We had security personnel on site for the event. All details surrounding the trial, the event and today’s events will be part of the details on which we work with the authorities.”

Update: CrossFit announced late Thursday that games would resume on Friday, August 9th.

You might also like this