Swimmer drowns unnoticed during event
<p>An athlete has drowned in the middle of a livestreamed sporting competition in the US, with spectators and competitors alike not realising until it was too late.</p>
<p>Lazar Đukić, an athlete from Belgrade, Serbia, was one of many competing at the CrossFit competition in Texas, when he reportedly vanished near the end of a live-streamed 800-metre swim in Fort Worth’s Marine Creek Lake, near Dallas, on Thursday. </p>
<p>Spectators, staff and swimmers initially didn't notice the man had drowned, as the Fort Worth Fire Department told AP it was called to assist police because there “was a participant in the water that was down and hadn’t been seen in some point in time”.</p>
<p>Two hours after he was last seen, a body was pulled from the lake. </p>
<p>One distressed spectator said “people were still swimming over him where he went down”.</p>
<p>The organisers of the CrossFit Games issued a statement on Thursday, saying they are "deeply saddened" by the turn of events. </p>
<p>“CrossFit is deeply saddened by the death of a CrossFit Games competitor during the swimming portion of Individual Event 1 at the 2024 CrossFit Games,” the statement read.</p>
<p>“We are fully co-operating with authorities and doing everything we can to support the family at this time.”</p>
<p>Mr Đukić, 28, has been remembered as a “beloved friend and elite athlete”.</p>
<p>A <a title="www.gofundme.com" href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/lazar-dukic-support-fund">GoFundMe fundraising page</a> has been set up by one of Mr Đukić sponsors drinks brand Fitaid, to “support his loved ones during this time”, and has already raised $215,000 of $228,000 goal. </p>
<p>“Known for his kindness, humour, and supportive nature, Lazar brought a breath of fresh air wherever he went,” state the page.</p>
<p>“Beyond his athletic achievements, Lazar was caring, humorous and relentlessly supported those around him. His warm, supportive nature and quick wit left a lasting impression on everyone he met.”</p>
<p><em>Image credits: GoFundMe</em></p>
