Tragedy at the CrossFit Games in Texas
Tragedy struck at the CrossFit Games 2024 in Texas, as 28-year-old Serbian athlete Lazar Dukic tragically drowned during the swimming event. The incident occurred during the 800-meter swimming event in Marin Creek Lake.
Approximately 100 meters before the finish line, Dukic began to drown. While someone from the crowd attempted to assist him, a bystander on a paddleboard inadvertently moved him away from the scene, seemingly unaware of the unfolding tragedy.
Emergency services were called shortly after 8am, but Dukic did not resurface. With the help of the Fort Worth Police Department’s dive team and unmanned aircraft, his body was retrieved approximately an hour later.
Fort Worth Mayor Matt Parker expressed his condolences and offered support to those affected by the tragedy. The city has coordinated mental health and grief counselors to assist anyone struggling with the loss.
The remaining events and activities for the day were canceled as a mark of respect and to allow for the processing of this devastating event. CrossFit expressed their deep sadness and pledged to work with investigators to understand the cause of the tragedy.
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to support Dukic’s family and has already raised over $140,000. This is the first time the CrossFit Games have been held in Fort Worth, with previous editions taking place in Carson, California, and Madison, Wisconsin.