The CrossFit community is reeling from the tragic loss of athlete Lazar Dukic, who drowned during the swimming portion of the 2024 CrossFit Games in Fort Worth, Texas, CBS News reports.
The 28-year-old Serbian athlete’s death has sent shockwaves through the world of CrossFit, prompting an immediate investigation and outpouring of grief.
CrossFit CEO Don Faul, in a statement released Friday, expressed profound sorrow for Dukic’s passing, calling it “the saddest day in CrossFit history.” He acknowledged the community’s “shattered” state and highlighted the overwhelming support shown for Dukic’s family and fellow competitors.
“To say our community is shattered after the tragic loss of Lazar Dukic would be an understatement,” Faul stated. “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.”
The organization, after consulting with Dukic’s family and fellow athletes, made the difficult decision to continue the 2024 CrossFit Games, emphasizing the paramount importance of athlete safety.
“CrossFit’s paramount consideration is the safety of our community, and there are rigorous safety measures in place for each event,” Faul assured.
In the wake of the tragedy, the remaining events scheduled for Thursday were canceled, but the Games resumed on Friday and will continue through Sunday. A GoFundMe campaign established for Dukic’s family has already raised over $310,000 as of Friday afternoon.
The 2024 CrossFit Games mark the first time the event has been held in Fort Worth, Texas. Previous locations include Carson, California and Madison, Wisconsin. The Games, known for their demanding physical challenges and competitive spirit, have never witnessed such a devastating loss.
As the CrossFit community mourns the loss of Lazar Dukic, the investigation into the cause of his drowning will be crucial in understanding the tragic events and ensuring the safety of future athletes. The probe will include an “independent third-party review” to determine the circumstances that led to this loss.
