Serbian Athlete Lazar Dukic Tragically Dies During 2024 CrossFit Games Swimming Event
The 2024 CrossFit Games took a tragic turn on Thursday morning when Serbian athlete Lazar Dukic, 28, drowned during the swimming portion of the competition at Marine Creek Lake in Fort Worth, Texas. The incident occurred during the first event of the individual competition, which combined a 3.5-mile run with an 800-meter swim. Lazar Dukic, a seasoned CrossFit competitor, disappeared near the final stretch of the swim, sparking immediate concern among the event organizers and participants.
According to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office, Dukic was pronounced dead after being pulled from the lake by emergency responders. The Fort Worth Fire Department, supported by the Fort Worth Police Department’s dive team, recovered Dukic’s body approximately one hour after he was last seen struggling in the water. The competition was being live-streamed on platforms like ESPN+ and social media, but broadcasts were abruptly halted as the severity of the situation became apparent.
CrossFit CEO Don Faul expressed deep sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to supporting Dukic’s family and the wider CrossFit community. “We are heartbroken by this tragic event. The well-being of our competitors is our first priority, and we are doing everything in our power to support the family and our community during this difficult time,” Faul said in a statement.
Lazar Dukic was a prominent figure in the CrossFit world, known for his remarkable performances in past competitions. He had consistently ranked among the top athletes globally, with his best finish at the CrossFit Games being 9th overall in 2022. Dukic’s journey in the CrossFit community began after his career in water polo, and he quickly became a standout competitor, earning recognition as one of the top athletes in Europe.
The 2024 CrossFit Games marked the first time the event was held in Fort Worth, Texas, after previously being hosted in locations like Carson, California, and Madison, Wisconsin. The competition, known for testing athletes’ limits across various disciplines, was expected to draw around 10,000 spectators from around the world. However, the tragic drowning of Lazar Dukic cast a somber shadow over the event, leading to the cancellation of all activities scheduled for the rest of the day.
In the wake of Dukic’s death, mental health and grief counselors have been made available to support those affected by the incident. Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker also extended her condolences, acknowledging the profound impact of the loss on the CrossFit community. “Our hearts go out to the athlete’s family, friends, and the entire CrossFit community,” Parker said.
Lazar Dukic’s death has prompted discussions within the CrossFit community about the safety measures in place for such high-intensity events. Faul mentioned that CrossFit had obtained all necessary permits and had a documented safety plan for the event, including the presence of safety personnel on-site throughout the competition. Despite these precautions, the tragedy has raised questions about the risks athletes face when competing in challenging and unpredictable environments.