CrossFit Games continue in Fort Worth despite athlete Lazar Dukic's drowning death
FORT WORTH, Texas - The CrossFit Games resumed in Fort Worth on Friday after a special tribute to the athlete who drowned during a race.
Lazar Dukic, a native of Serbia, drowned while trying to swim in Marine Creek Lake on Thursday, which was the first day of the competition.
Organizers said after a lot of consideration and consultation with Dukic’s family, it was decided that the games at Dickies Arena would continue throughout the remainder of the weekend.
The games continued on Friday with a touching tribute to Dukic.
Lazar Dukic (Source: FITAID)
"Let’s take this time to reflect on the memories we hold dear to honor Lazar’s legacy," said an announcer at Dickies Arena before a moment of silence.
"Yesterday was the saddest day in CrossFit history. To say our community is shattered after the tragic loss of Lazar Đukić would be an understatement. Yet we’re inspired by how the community has responded with love and support for Lazar’s family and fellow competitors. CrossFit is supporting Lazar’s loved ones during this difficult time, and will continue to do so," said CrossFit CEO Don Faul.
One fan who flew in to watch the Games shared how it took a whole to regroup and deal with the shock.
"We saw it, and we’re like, I don’t know where to go from here. We thought about canceling the trip. We didn’t know what we were going to do. It’s good to see the community back together trying to get through it," said Cameron Hicks.
Attendee Bjoern Thies had similar feelings. He changed his initial wardrobe to all black.
"Normally, I have very colorful stuff, and today I didn’t feel like wearing the stuff. Two hearts, one is totally sad, I cried. The other heart wants to have fun, but I don’t feel like having fun today, but I wanted to show respect for the athletes," Thies said.
Despite the tragic loss, the competition goes on. This is the first time Texas has hosted the Games and the fans are lively, cheering on the athletes with overwhelming support.
"It’s really cool, amazing to see the physical strength and endurance. These people have," said Taylor Holloway.
For the athletes, the loss of a fellow competitor is still extremely hard to accept.
"This has been a moment. It’s been super sad and heartbreaking for everyone," said spectator Joseph Arredondo.
"It makes you realize how short life is," said spectator Bart Reddy.
CrossFit says it has initiated an investigation. The company says there will be an independent third-party review of the event.
Lazar Dukic Death
28-year-old Lazar Dukic of Serbia drowned in Marine Creek Lake on Thursday morning.
Dukic shared photos of himself on his social media accounts, expressing his eagerness to compete.
He had completed a 3.5-mile run with a pack of competitors and was nearing the end of a half-mile open water swim when he went underwater.
North Texas CrossFit enthusiast Kaitlin Pritchard said she saw Dukic begin to struggle in the water, but it didn’t look like an emergency. She said other swimmers also seemed tired.
What occurred is the last thing anyone would have expected, Pritchard said.
"You just don’t think these things are going to happen. These are elite athletes," she said. "And to think that 30ish minutes later, one of the fittest people in the world is just gone like that… it doesn’t matter that you’re one of the fittest people in the world. Stuff can happen. Life is fragile. And you just never know."
CrossFit Games: Lazar Dukic drowns in Fort Worth lake during swimming event
The rest of Thursday's events and activities for The CrossFit Games have been suspended.
The CrossFit Games were suspended on Thursday after the accident.
Friday morning’s events began with a special tribute to Dukic.