CrossFit Games drowning report: officials confirm athlete died during competition

[@talon4702]

Why on earth did CF decide to do an 800m swim after a 3.5 mile race? This is EXACTLY why triathlons swim first when the athletes are fresh. This was a catastrophic blunder on the part of games management! These athletes are very fit but a 3.5 mile race still drains them before the swim.

[@alexzabiuk1361]

At the very least they needed a much higher lifeguard to athlete ratio, and a rescue boat with a diver available nearby. Every open water event I've ever done had way more safety staff on hand so watching this absolutely boggled my mind.

[@00mjennin00]

This is beyond heartbreaking. I feel so sorry for the Dukic family. Lazar was so beyond elated that his brother Luka finally made it into the Games and they could compete side by side this year. I cannot fathom the grief Luka and his family must be feeling right now. This is such a shock.

[@SG-lj8uu]

They competed together at the games before, but I agree with the sentiment

[@deanc2000]

I swim in an olympic pool 3 times a week. What happened here was negligence. When you go underwater, its not minutes, it seconds. Seconds matter. That "lifeguard" who stayed on her board, not bothering to dive in? Should be ashamed of themselves. The people preventing onlookers from diving in to help, should be fired.

[@Jaya365]

They were probably unqualified volunteers, Crossfit always scrimps on staffing and safety, but hey they get to make claims their athletes are the "fittest on the planet"

[@stuartpelan7149]

I don’t understand how this can happen. There are people on paddle boards right there.

[@hermanmelville3871]

Dave Castro, a former DEVGRU OPERATOR who has been through the highest level of water safety and competency training, should’ve known better. Absolutely inexcusable.

[@Vanguard152]

That guy is a joke

[@darbyking-maillot4105]

This is an absolute failure on the part of CrossFit to keep the competitors safe!

[@Mark-f1i]

agreed

[@sebastianeff5770]

I don‘t think we know enough to say.

[@alexzabiuk1361]

They have an absolutely terrible track record of keeping the athletes safe but this is the first fatality

[@TheAndrea717]

This should have not happened on their watch. Not being able to ensure every elite athletes safety is beyond words. You can get an heart attack in any event, but to miss it completely??? Nah, this is such a disgrace. CF Games didn't have the decency to have good enough safety protocols and caused a death that could've been avoided. I have zero respect and trust to CF Games organization.

[@jimsolomon9090]

Daves ego will be hit with his incompetence. Lack of safety for the swimmer in open water has always been a problem. Accidents/Deaths happen in ALL sports, Castro However tries to be the Seal/A-hole instructor

[@alexzabiuk1361]

He's had a long history or organizing unsafe events that are more like a BUDS class than a competition. I hope this is his last year in this role.

[@Vanguard152]

I remember the Swim & bar muscle up wod a few years ago. A wonder nothing happened there. The Murph in burning midday heat when Kara Webb collapsed. Btw. No one dies in BUDS. Way better safety.

[@taven580]

Negligence

[@andrew_l1900]

There’s a reason both triathlon and Ironman have the competitors swim first, cross fit is a joke and the complete lack of adequate water safety is astonishing, not enough lifeguards, no highvis swimming caps, stopping spectators who recognized what the safety people didn’t and tried to dive in to save him. Complete and total negligence.

[@scottcapdepon5863]

was wondering why it was run then swim

[@jaslynmorales8380]

By the way in the video where it shows that he’s drowning people Literally swim by him, and when some of the people were able to get out of the water, they started tell the life gray this guy needs help and no one did anything

[@olimpiopaixao7236]

This is so shocking that I assume that no one is trying to figure out responsibilities and what really happened

[@RogueCylon]

Straight away it was clear to see that CrossFit was not providing much in the way of support for their competitors. This was cost saving gone too far.

[@LighthouseJaye]

I was new to the sport, discovered it earlier this year and thought Lazar was such a beast because every time I was rooting for someone he'd overtake them. I became a fan thinking amongsts others, wherever he finishes tells me how difficult the events were. *This messed me up.* God bless his soul. I'm so disappointed in the CrossFit Games. Rest In Peace Lazar, an absolute *Legend.* 🤍🏅 Prayers to the family especially his Brother who he was eager to compete with🙏🏾🕊️ This is equally heartbreaking as it is infuriating. Seeing people say Texas is also known to be brutally hot this time of year (I'm South African) is painful to read.

[@ThatLittleTexanWoman]

It is brutally hot and there is very little rainfall right now. So our lakes can start getting very dark and stagnant sometimes in late summer. In fact, this is often the time of year people are warned to be aware of the risks of certain dangerous amoebas that can live in the water in higher levels right now. A lake on a summer morning in Texas means snakes, mosquitoes, and the occasional alligator. I am kind of surprised they would have an event like that here right now. The US is huge and has plenty of MUCH nicer places to schedule a summer swimming race.

[@LighthouseJaye]

@@ThatLittleTexanWoman Thank you for sharing. With this kind of information it just makes me question what the CrossFit Team's thinking was when they decided the venue & time of year...

[@jennamenn5007]

Having this event in TX at this time of year is so risky already because of the heat. So heartbreaking.

[@vincenzo00]

So sad and sorry to hear this. God bless the family and friends of the athlete.

[@rmart8827]

The water safety measures have always seemed poor. Here's a prime example and it took someone dying to show it

[@tq1127]

Probably had to do with it costing more money to have it staffed properly with people that could have saved him. Sad.

[@rmart8827]

@sallyruss4574 you said it perfectly. Castro has good ideas but he should've had someone that was qualified be in charge of the safety. The money rolls in and athletes train so hard and should be able to count on the staff who are being paid by their blood, sweat, tears and now their lives.

[@rmart8827]

@@tq1127 Oh yeah, it would cost a good amount for something like this. I work in the aquatic industry and the main thing I can say is that people are quick to try and shortcut safety measures due to expenses. A few stories later and they're either making the changes or shutting it down. Either way it's for the best. Anyone who's drown and lived or come close to drowning (hand raised) is thankful for the extra attention to detail.

[@erich4112]

@@rmart8827 Clearly you've never worked as a lifeguard. They are there to do their best in helping people escape tragedies not caused by themselves but by it's own athletes or patrons and acts of nature (i.e., riptides). At one point it could have looked like they were taking a break, they turn their face to watch another athlete while another takes a big gulp of water down the lungs. You have no right, especially before results of an investigation, to point any fingers or lay the burden of life lost on someone. Even if, EVEN IF, the investigation comes out showing that their safety protocols were subpar in this area, it's still a tragedy, an accident, and no-one needs this on their shoulders. This isn't a drunk driver incident, it's a sport with highly trained athletes where an accident took place.

[@mikewazowski6070]

@sallyruss4574the family wanted it to continue

[@spartanmealpreps]

You cant have athletes who are ready to shut their mind off to push their body to the limits do a swim after an extensive run. this is so sad and honestly cant believe they programmed a swim after a run.

[@ThatLittleTexanWoman]

What a tragedy. First and foremost I would be reluctant to plan a race in Texas in early August because our lakes can get low and more stagnant from a lack of rain and the high temperatures in the summer. That can affect the water quality. We have so many mosquitoes and snakes, plus the occasional alligator. This makes me wonder about the planning process overall. Why couldn’t this race be done in another part of the country where the water would be clearer? Regardless of the time of the year or the location, losing a swimmer during a race like this should not happen. Drowning is fast and silent. If the safety personnel cannot adequately monitor the swimmers during the race they need to increase the number of safety personnel. I can only imagine what the poor swimmer’s family must be feeling right now.

[@xzy89c]

What a horrible statement from crossfit

[@rtcharge]

How did they not see him

[@anastasiabananastasia]

they did see him it’s so tragic

[@n3coreGames]

Time to boycott this incompetent industry. The culmination of their low bar for volunteers and armature event judges has finally peaked. This would've never happened in the Olympics, or even at a high school swim meet. So unfortunate a good man had to pay with his life. CROSSFIT DIED TODAY .

[@andrewmunoz9961]

agreed. but while I agree. greed will win out

[@alexzabiuk1361]

Couldn't agree more. When I was in highschool I usually raced one of the open water events at summer provincials in swimming and they had WAY more lifeguards a rescue boat, a diver and they made us race in high vis swim caps. The fact a massive corporation had less safety measures than a high level highschool swim meet is atrocious

[@STGFilmmakers]

Make sure you guys screenshot Don and Dave and save that in your phones, that way if there ever comes a day when you forget what idiots look like you have an immediate point of reference.

[@mikeho3124]

Crossfit ended with a Cross today. It is too hot for any outdoor events during this time of year in Texas. Condolences to family, friends, and all. RIP

[@mikeengelmann233]

My thoughts as well. Hottest state at the hottest time of year 😢

[@marlenarybak4855]

​@@mikeengelmann233absolutely agree with you 😢😢😢 I still can't believe it in what happened 😭😭😭

[@carolineblay2787]

What was the temperature during the run?

[@anastasiabananastasia]

f those guys for such sloppy security for the athletes

[@Sejdr]

Having watched the event I was struck by the lack of perimiter control and to few lifeguards in the water.

[@Hittlinho]

Liar

[@Sejdr]

​@@Hittlinho And why is that?

[@TheTkrum]

Remove CF CEO Don Faul with Mike Burgener Remove Dave Castro, CF director with Henry Rojas.

[@jeanniestegner9915]

Prayers lifted to all affected

[@jaylong7859]

This is what happens when CF has cost cutting measures. Castro needs to go. Sad day and beyond

[@kayyfono1466]

Prayers out to the Family of the deceased! 🙏🏼🤍

[@es7818]

seems like this could have been done in a pool and people would have clearly seen the athlete go under and he could have been easily retrieved at the time, seems irresponsible to have an open water swim when some athletes are obviously not strong swimmers and event organisers aren't experienced enough running open water swim events. the guys on paddle boards are fully clothed and clearly not ready to make a dive for a person submerging in murky water.

[@chelseabunker2391]

Triathletes regularly compete in water like this, and even oceans. I don’t think the body of water was the issue. I do however completely agree about the lack of reaction by any of the staff out on the lake. Absolutely devastating. 💔

[@es7818]

@@chelseabunker2391 yeah this is what i mean, a triathlon or iron man safety crew comprises people on paddleboards or kayaks carrying floatation devices for people struggling and also always includes a scuba team, because once someone is submerged they can be invisible in seconds. this is what would be avoided by being in a pool, the person would remain visible and the shallow depth means they can be retrieved without a scuba crew.

[@alexzabiuk1361]

Open water events also usually have a waaaay higher lifeguard to athlete ratio, and people in kayaks or other boats with flotation devices and divers like you said. Some of them held in murky water also mandate something high viz on the athletes so they're easier to spot if they go under. As a former lifeguard and open water swimming competitor, and someone who currently works in public safety, I think the organizers where beyond negligent in multiple ways.

[@es7818]

@@alexzabiuk1361 the footage of the swim doesn't look good, does it. i know it might not show the whole picture but the crew closest to this guy just doesn't have eyes on him, i find it really hard to believe that they're trained lifeguards. it is really devastating, if they're just random volunteers they probably feel horrible. this is on the organisers.

[@fluffstuffpootiebean1688]

Will they finally fire Castro? He has been asking for a death for years. His programming is a danger to all. He is the reason I left CF. Bring Glassman back.

[@adriantomarere9310]

Did any of the athletes see that he was struggling, especially the ones that passed him? If yes, is there anyone bothers to help?

[@BluegillGreg]

Condolences to the family.

[@cjd959]

Open water swimming with so many athletes at the same time has always been a huge safety issue in Crossfit Games. These events should take place in a controlled environment like a pool.

[@alexzabiuk1361]

Or at least have an appropriate lifeguard to athlete ratio with high vis caps or suits on the athletes for safety. Like every responsibly planned open water event ever. I say this as a former open water swimmer and lifeguard- this was pure negligence on the organizers part.

[@mauriciocordoba952]

I used to go to a Crossfit Box. However, after this, I can't. This avoidable tragedy is a reflection of one of the many problems with Crossfit, and I don't want to participate in it anymore.

[@PaliUhrin]

NIEEEEEEEEEE...,TOMU NEVERÍM...,TO NEMOžE BYŤ PRAVDA.

[@taven580]

Everyone there failed that man

[@CrossfitBooklover16]

Rip Lazar😢

[@maycievanpatten6633]

I feel like pushing the body this hard is ls no longer fun to watch. I miss the old CrossFit.

[@davidzamora8342]

That will be the nail in the coffin for CrossFit. This will 💯 percent end in a multi million dollar law suit and CrossFit will go belly up. To add on to all the numerous injuries now a death not to mention there’s also a paralyzed athlete as well. Goodbye and good riddance.

[@robertburch3813]

Unfortunately, I don’t think it will stop Uber competitive aging athletes from putting it on their bucket list. They need to make the swim portions much safer and quit having them in murky river and lakes. Ironman does the same thing.

[@lisag.2902]

Why did nobody stop to save him'?. Where were the lifeguards? He was so close to shore. If people saw he was in distress, why did nobody step up to rescue him?

[@robertsaladino]

Too difficult of a swim and run put together....structure was all wrong.

[@carolcarter2373]

Where were EMT ? Not safe . Shame on CrossFit . Rest in peace Lazar and comfort to your family n friends❤

[@Madactionmedia]

Massive lawsuit heading their way RIP good sir, prayers to your family and friends.

[@roabba8994]

Little women DEI hire lifeguards are not equiped to handle 200+lb men...rip

[@sarahphillips8987]

they were volunteers, and they apparently only had 3 for 79 participants swimming in hot cloudy water. Put the blame where it mostly belongs on the people who planned this event and were responsible for safety.

[@mitchcollins5840]

So sad.

[@jjman533]

Was that Secret Service lifeguards on the paddle boards?

[@BearWithoutHair]

The CEO and Castro are not responsible. Athletes sign waivers and assume risk. But the corporate sadface and solemn tone this dude displays is like palpably fake. All a CEO cares about is protecting the bottom line and enriching shareholders. He probably had to have his team tell him Lazar’s name 4 times

[@alexzabiuk1361]

It is their responsibility as organizers to have an appropriate safety plan though, and the lifeguard to athlete ratio for this event was nowhere near that.

[@BearWithoutHair]

@@alexzabiuk1361 I agree with that. And it looked to me like the lifeguards were hardly paying attention to anything. Seems like complaceny was in play on the assumption that these are extremely fit individuals who can handle themselves and they likely wouldn’t need to rescue anyone. So I’m on the same page. My point is that these statements seem so contrived and devoid of any real empathy, and as a corporate exec, the only thing going thru his mind is saving face, protecting profits, avoiding lawsuits (to be fair that’s literally any CEO’s role). I just hate seeing these people pretending like they care. The bad acting is blatant. Just my opinion, although slightly informed with a background in body language analysis. The lady officer and firefighter had more empathy than these two combined, because they are regular people. It’s tragic that in these type of situations the execs have to be conscious of the brand, and serve the board first and foremost.

[@sarahphillips8987]

no, waivers don't shield them from gross negligence (which this was at a minimum) or even potentially charges for criminal negligence. This org and Dave Castro and the CEO deserve every single lawsuit that's coming.

[@JesseG-z3e]

Crossfit was just irresponsible for this. The life guards at the pools in Disney World are more attentive.

[@michaelpersian258]

Poor Lazar 😢😢it is shame for them

[@CAROLINA211410]

Should stop competition 😢right now

[@JoshButler-kh4mi]

Not one single person was commenting on the live stream during the event that it was too hot or that there wasn’t enough safety! You were all engaged in the event and had no concerns. The minute something happens you all point a finger. It’s tragic and heartbreaking for the staff, athletes and family. Accidents happens and people die every single day, it can mostly be prevented but not always. Would be hard to know what really happened so just let them grieve instead of pointing fingers.

[@cheriemanning2186]

So sad 😢

[@PowerYuLiu]

CROSSFIT KILLED HIM

[@GabrielaVivianaTorresGTFitness]

Fortaleza 🙏🙏🙏 a su familia es muy triste sin palabras .Duro duro 😭 🫂 a su familia amigos y toda la comunidad de sus atletas.

[@LordKLT]

Sad

[@adamellisx]

ITS THE HOTTEST DAY OF THE YEAR HERE WHY WOULD YOU HAVE AN EVENT TODAY

[@dylanjohns8409]

It’s got nothing to do with heat.

[@sgblaxican]

@@dylanjohns8409it does though. The heat is literally one of the main reasons CrossFit moved the games from Carson, CA to the Midwest. The run portion for the event wipes the athletes out even more with this heat. It’s like what Annie Thorisdottor faced during Murph in the 2015 games.

[@danielbowers457]

He was in a lake 😐

[@adamellisx]

@@danielbowers457 it’s 102 here today it’s brutal

[@lauraschertl8652]

@@danielbowers457Yeah immediately after Running in the heat and probably being exhausted. There’s a reason why you swim first in triathlon. Exhausted people in the water are a desaster waiting to happen.

[@KarlStev-h7l]

Lock up castro

[@SimoneMuniz-xk2nv]

😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@vickpolitologo]

So Mad with CF. Coach Glassman would never accepted this disaster.. improvisation

[@andreiunghie]

Let’s hope the family will sue CrossFit into the ground for this.

[@Dwizzle77]

No no no. Probably not the right move

[@jodeeblue9663]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@Leifmommy]

Crossfitt what's exactly it is Every player should know how to swim 🏊‍♂️ How they allowed him to joined if he can't swim properly or good swimmer

[@erinorozco8599]

He knew how to swim. All of the athletes who go to the Games train swimming. He was also a water polo player before.

[@katarzynagolik]

this is stupid sport

[@db8710]

Your done Shut it down

[@Leifmommy]

RIP 🙏 but my big question is how could it happen If he can't swim why he's allowed no offense but He's need to be swimmer I really don't understand sad very sad All my friends are Serbians

[@edwardchapman5016]

No one cares.

[@bassarana]

About you

[@mihaid2116]

I pray you will find Jesus🙏🏼

[@denominator208]

Clearly you do, Edward. You do.