Ladies and gentlemen, we have some heartbreaking news from the world of sports. Serbian athlete Lazar Dukic tragically passed away after taking part in a swimming event at the CrossFit Games in Texas. The 28-year-old athlete disappeared during a live-streamed event held at Marine Creek Lake, near Fort Worth, Texas, on Thursday morning.
The last time Dukic was seen was about 100 meters from the end of the 800-meter swimming segment of the competition. Emergency services were immediately alerted when his team realized that he never resurfaced. Despite swift efforts, his body was found about an hour later. As of now, the Tarrant County medical examiner’s office has not released an official cause of death.
Lazar Dukic was not just a rising star in the CrossFit world—he was Serbia’s third-ranked CrossFit athlete this year and held the 88th spot globally in the male category. His journey in CrossFit began in 2021, inspired by his brother Luka, and he quickly made a name for himself in the sport. He was known for his fierce competitiveness, joyful spirit, and kindness—a man who lit up every room he entered.
During the event, which included a grueling 3.5-mile run followed by the 800-meter swim, Dukic was one of several athletes who seemed to struggle as they neared the end of the swimming segment.
Witnesses on the shore noticed some swimmers changing their patterns, likely due to exhaustion. Despite the presence of lifeguards on paddle boards, no immediate rescue attempt was seen in the footage circulating online, though a man is eventually shown jumping into the water to try to help.
The organizers of the CrossFit Games expressed their deep sorrow over Dukic’s passing. In a statement, they honored his memory, saying, “Lazar was one of our sport’s most talented competitors, but was much more than an athlete. He was a son, a brother, and a friend to practically everyone who knew him. Fiercely competitive, incurably joyful, and uncommonly kind, Lazar was the sun of any room he was in. The loss of his light is inconceivable.”
In response to the tragedy, all events scheduled for the rest of Thursday were suspended, and the organizers assured that they are fully cooperating with the authorities to understand what went wrong. CrossFit CEO Don Faul addressed the incident in a press conference, acknowledging the grief that has struck the community and emphasized the importance of supporting everyone affected, especially Dukic’s family.
To support his family during this difficult time, a GoFundMe campaign was launched with a target of $200,000, which has already surpassed its goal, raising over $264,000. This outpouring of support shows just how much Lazar Dukic was loved and respected within the community.
The CrossFit Games is an intense competition that challenges athletes across various disciplines, including weightlifting, conditioning exercises, swimming, and cycling. Lazar Dukic had high hopes for this season, aiming to make it to the podium. Tragically, his promising journey was cut short.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and the entire CrossFit community as they navigate this devastating loss.
