CrossFit Games Proceed After Drowning Incident
- The CrossFit Games continued despite a tragedy where an athlete drowned.
- Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker expressed condolences to the athlete's family and the community.
- The event's continuation highlights the resilience of the sports community in the face of adversity.
FORT WORTH – The 2024 CrossFit Games in Fort Worth faced a somber turn of events on Thursday when athlete Lazar Đukić drowned during a swimming event at Marine Creek Lake. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the incident, which prompted a swift response from the Fort Worth Police Department dive team and drones, leading to the recovery of Đukić's body approximately an hour later. In light of this tragedy, CrossFit CEO Don Faul announced that the Games would continue as planned throughout the weekend at Dickies Arena. A special tribute honoring Đukić is scheduled for Friday at 10 a.m. The organization expressed its deep sorrow over the loss, emphasizing its commitment to supporting Đukić's family during this difficult time. "We are profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of a CrossFit athlete," Faul stated. Witnesses described the harrowing moments surrounding the drowning, as the CrossFit community grapples with the impact of Đukić's death. CrossFit is collaborating with investigators to understand the circumstances of the incident, while also focusing on community support. A GoFundMe campaign established for Đukić's family has already raised over $140,000. This year marks the first time the CrossFit Games have been held in Fort Worth, following previous events in Carson, California, and Madison, Wisconsin. Faul reassured attendees that a comprehensive safety plan was in place for the event, underscoring the organization’s commitment to athlete safety.