Harrowing moment swimmer disappears under the water as he drowns at CrossFit Games on first day of event

CHILLING footage has emerged capturing the disturbing moment a swimmer drowned during the CrossFit Games.

The tragic incident unfolded during the first event of the annual competition in Fort Worth, Texas, when Serbian athlete Lazar Đukić was seen struggling in the water, just metres from the finish line.

Horrifying footage shows the swimmer gasping for air before reports of a drowning emerged

Lazar Dukic, of Serbia, 28, died while competing in a CrossFit Games swimming event on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, at a lake in Texas

The disturbing video, which has been widely circulated on X (formerly Twitter) and other social media platforms, shows Lazar desperately flailing in the water as he tries to stay afloat.

Despite his clear distress, other athletes continued to swim past him, seemingly unaware of the unfolding tragedy.

To the horror of spectators, the live stream remained focused on competitors nearing the shore, oblivious to the life-and-death struggle playing out just a short distance away.

The footage also shows multiple lifeguards and spectators stationed along the shore, yet none appeared to notice the athlete’s desperate fight for survival.

It wasn’t until much later that organisers confirmed the worst – Lazar had tragically died during the event.

In a statement, the CrossFit Games said they were cooperating with authorities and offering support to Lazar’s family, but the burning question remains on how so many officials could have missed the signs.

The shocking incident has sent shockwaves through the CrossFit community, with fans taking to social media to express their outrage.

One X user, Adam Mahler, didn’t hold back, he said: “I was a lifeguard while in high school for three years, and I’m absolutely fuming watching this video.

“There was a clear drowning victim, and yet no one acted. This should result in lawsuits and jail time for those responsible.”

Another user, Will Compton, added: “I can’t fathom being at that race and witnessing this man gasping for air, only to go under without anyone helping.

“How in the world did nobody at the CrossFit Games spot this? It’s a f horrific moment.”

As the backlash intensified, fellow CrossFit athlete Cole Learn posted an emotional video describing the terrifying scene.

Cole said: “We watched Lazar go under and screamed for the lifeguards.

“But we were too far away, and they couldn’t hear us. Lazar just never came back up.”

The CrossFit Games, known for pushing athletes to their limits in a gruelling series of challenges, have since suspended all events scheduled for that day.

A spokesperson for the event said: “The well-being of competitors is our first priority, and we are heartbroken by this tragic event.”

Earlier, the CrossFit community was left reeling when an official statement on X read: “Today is the saddest day in CrossFit history.

“We are shattered by the loss of Lazar Đukić along with the entire CrossFit community.”

Describing Lazar as “one of our sport’s most talented competitors” and “the sun of any room he was in,” the statement continued, “The only cure for grief is to grieve, and the best way to grieve is together.”

The tragic death of Lazar, who was also a talented water polo player, has cast a dark shadow over what was meant to be a celebration of athleticism and determination.

Just hours before the fatal swim, Lazar had shared his excitement on Instagram, posting a smiling selfie and urging fans to tune in to the live stream.

He wrote: “Kicking things off at 2pm Europe Time”, unaware that these would be some of his last words.

The incident has sparked a wider debate about safety protocols at extreme sports events, with many questioning how such a tragedy could occur in a competition of this magnitude.

As investigations continue, the CrossFit Games face mounting pressure to explain how one of their brightest stars was allowed to drown in front of thousands of spectators, both on-site and online.

The tragedy has left fans, fellow athletes, and Lazar’s family devastated, with the CrossFit community now mourning the loss of a competitor whose life was cut tragically short.

As the investigation unfolds, the question remains: how did no one notice Lazar’s struggle until it was too late.

Today, Faul today released the following statement regarding the continuation of the 2024 CrossFit Games:

“Yesterday was the saddest day in CrossFit history. To say our community is shattered after the tragic loss of Lazar Đukić would be an understatement.

“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.

“After speaking with the Đukić family and other athletes, we made the decision to move forward with the 2024 CrossFit Games, dedicated to Lazar Đukić.

“CrossFit’s paramount consideration is the safety of our community, and there are rigorous safety measures in place for each event.

“CrossFit has initiated an investigation, which will include an independent third-party review of yesterday’s tragic event.”

CROSSFIT SPEAKS OUT

Police confirmed to The U.S. Sun that they responded to the incident and the athlete was found dead at the scene.

Homicide detectives were notified of the incident.

They said: “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.

“We are fully cooperating with authorities and doing everything we can to support the family at this time.

The organization canceled the rest of the day’s events after Đukić’s death.

“The well-being of competitors is our first priority and we are heartbroken by this tragic event.”

CrossFit CEO Don Faul spoke to reporters later in the day at a press conference and held back tears while discussing the tragic death of the athlete.

Faul Said: “We’re doing everything in our power during this tragic time to support the family, to support our community.”

He added that CrossFit was collaborating closely with authorities on the investigation.

CrossFit later shared a statement honoring Đukić, writing, “We are devastated by the passing of Lazar Đukić. Our hearts are with Lazar’s entire family, friends, and fellow athletes.”

“Out of respect for the family and in cooperation with the Fort Worth Police Department, we will share updates when possible.”

Fort Worth police officers were on the scene

The body was pulled from the water and the event’s live stream was suspended

Hours after the swimmer drowned, the athletes brother broke his silence

Family, friends and fans were heartbroken