CrossFit Athlete Lazar Dukic Dies at 28 During Swimming Competition

CrossFit Athlete Lazar Dukic Dies at 28 During Swimming Competition

As a lifestyle expert with decades of experience in the athletic community, I have seen my fair share of heartbreaking moments. The passing of Lazar Dukic, a promising young athlete in the CrossFit Games, is one such tragedy that leaves an indelible mark.


The CrossFit community is mourning one of their own.

On the opening day of the 2024 CrossFit Games, Serbian athlete Lazar Dukic tragically passed away during a swimming competition in Marine Creek Lake, Fort Worth, Texas. At the time of his death, he was only 28 years old.

According to reports from TopMob News, the exact reason for his death is yet to be confirmed, as it depends on the results of an autopsy being conducted by the medical examiner in Tarrant County.

At a press conference on August 8th, a representative from the Fort Worth Fire Department stated that rescue crews were dispatched around 8 a.m., regarding a person in the water who had been missing for some time. Using dive teams and drones, they found Dukic’s body in the lake approximately an hour later, according to The New York Times.

Police later said in a statement to the newspaper that the athlete was declared dead at the scene.

Dukic was seen slipping underwater during the CrossFit Games’ 800-meter swimming competition.

Cole Learn stated in a video uploaded on August 8th that they witnessed Lazar submerge underwater and immediately called out for lifeguards who seemed quite distant. However, the lifeguards were too far to hear our cries for help, and tragically, Lazar never resurfaced again. I am beyond heartbroken.

CrossFit stated on their platform (previously called Twitter) that they are actively collaborating with law enforcement and making every effort to aid the affected family during this challenging period.

On the day of Dukic’s passing, the organization temporarily halted the rest of the CrossFit Games activities. However, they resumed on August 9th, starting with a tribute to the deceased athlete at Dickies Arena, which was later shared on YouTube. During this event, his fellow competitors paid their respects through a moment of silence, and it was announced that the entire 2024 competition would be dedicated to him.

CrossFit Athlete Lazar Dukic Dies at 28 During Swimming Competition

“On August 8th, the group penned down a heartbreaking message, stating that today marks one of the saddest days in CrossFit’s history. The entire CrossFit community is devastated by the loss of Lazar Dukic.”

“The message went on to say, ‘Lazar stood out among our sport’s competitors due to his exceptional skills, yet he was so much more than just an athlete. He was a son, a sibling, and a friend to many who had the pleasure of knowing him. Lazar, with his relentless competitiveness, infectious joy, and extraordinary kindness, brightened any space he occupied. The absence of his radiance is hard to comprehend.'”

Luka Dukic, Duci’s younger brother who competes at the CrossFit Games alongside him, likewise paid tribute to the deceased athlete.

“He posted on Instagram about how the sport never reciprocated his affection, sharing a picture from an event honoring Lazar in a stadium. No tribute can bring you back to me, he lamented. This was something that could have been avoided, and there’s no way to circumvent it.”

He continued, “My brother, you touched more lives than you know and you will live forever.”

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2024-08-10 00:47