Man dies competing in Texas CrossFit swim

An jock has died while taking portion successful a aquatics astatine nan CrossFit Games successful Texas, organisers said.

Lazar Dukic, 28, from Serbia, was competing connected Marine Creek Lake adjacent nan metropolis of Fort Worth connected Thursday greeting erstwhile he vanished nether nan h2o and grounded to resurface, officials from Fort Worth emergency services said.

Emergency services were called astatine astir 08:00 section clip (14:00 BST) and a assemblage was recovered astir an hr later.

A connection from nan games read: "We are devastated by nan passing of Lazar Dukic.

"Our hearts are pinch Lazar’s full family, friends and chap athletes.

"Out of respect for nan family and successful practice pinch nan Fort Worth Police Department, we will stock updates erstwhile possible."

The remainder of Thursday's events person been suspended and organisers are "fully cooperating pinch authorities", a abstracted connection said.

According to the CrossFit Games website, nan arena included a 3.5-mile tally followed by an 800m swim.

The hunt for Mr Dukic's assemblage progressive a dive squad from nan Fort Worth Police Department arsenic good arsenic drones, nan BBC's US partner CBS News reported, citing section officials.

CrossFit CEO Don Faul said Mr Dukic was a "loved and respected" personnel of nan fittingness community.

"There's a batch of group successful nan organization who are hurting correct now," he said.

"A batch of group are mourning. We want to do everything we tin to support nan community, to support nan family."

He besides said a "fully documented information plan" had been successful spot and that information unit were connected tract passim nan event.

A crowdfunder to support Mr Dukic's family that began pinch a target of $200,000 (£157,000) has already raised much than $211,000.

The page said Mr Dukic debuted astatine nan CrossFit Games successful 2021 aft years playing h2o polo successful his autochthonal Serbia.

"Known for his kindness, humour and supportive nature, Lazar brought a activity of caller aerial wherever he went," it said.

"Beyond his diversion achievements, Lazar was caring, humorous and relentlessly supported those astir him."

A CrossFit Games bio connected its website classed Mr Dukic arsenic Serbia's number 1 CrossFit jock successful nan years betwixt 2017 and 2021, and classed 3rd successful nan state this year.

The CrossFit Games is an yearly title successful which athletes return portion successful various events crossed galore disciplines, often only uncovering retired what each shape will entail soon beforehand.

This year's instalment began connected Thursday and was scheduled to reason connected Sunday.