Wednesday, July 15, 2026

CrossFit Athlete Dies in Texas Swimming Competition 

  • Lazar Đukić, a 28-year-old Serbian, was confirmed dead by authorities.
  • Competition was halted after the Thursday drowning.
Jon Lemoine-USA TODAY Sports

An athlete at the CrossFit Games died in a Texas lake Thursday, leading to the cancellation of the rest of the day’s scheduled events. 

Authorities responded to a possible drowning call early Thursday morning.

In a statement, the CrossFit Games confirmed the death and said it’s fully cooperating with authorities, but it didn’t release the name of the athlete. 

The athlete was Lazar Đukić, a 28-year-old Serbian, according to the Star-Telegram.

Video shows Đukić disappearing under the water during the 800-meter swim in Fort Worth’s Marine Creek Lake.

Authorities were called around 8 a.m. about a “participant in the water” who “hadn’t been seen in some time,” they said at a press conference Thursday. Đukić was later found and declared dead at the scene.

Don Faul, the CEO of CrossFit, said during a press briefing that the death has him “gutted.” 

Đukić, an established competitor on the circuit, said before the event that his goal was to finish on the podium. The event was scheduled to continue through Thursday.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mar 15, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Team USA baseball hat during the World Baseball Classic at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Two Years From LA28, MLB’s Olympic Plan Remains Unsettled

The league and union are still grappling with several logistical issues.

The Most Powerful Lawyer in Sports Is Representing Paramount

Kessler is defending Paramount’s merger with WBD against antitrust claims.
Gavel

Key Figure in Basketball Gambling Scandals to Plead Guilty in Poker Case

Shane Hennen is a defendant in three gambling-related scandals.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/14/26 – World Cup Semis, Michigan AD Probe, FanDuel VIP Scandal

0:00

Featured Today

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
ATLANTA, GA - September 05: Georgia Lottery fireworks after the game against the Seattle Mariners at Truist Park on Friday, September 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
July 2, 2026

Inside the Spectacle and Science of MLB Fireworks

Postgame fireworks are lighting up baseball for America250.
Kansas City Chiefs
July 1, 2026

NFL Teams Push to Turn Futbol Fans Into Football Devotees

NFL teams are courting international soccer fans during their World Cup visits.

DeChambeau Has Last Chance at 2026 Major Cut—With 3D-Printed Irons

LIV Golf’s biggest star continues to stay busy off the course.
Cycling - Tour de France - Stage 9 - Malemort to Ussel - Malemort, France - July 12, 2026 UAE Team Emirates - XRG's Tadej Pogacar wearing the yellow jersey, UAE Team Emirates - XRG's Isaac Del Toro wearing the white jersey and Team Visma | Lease a Bike's Jonas Vingegaard wearing the polka-dot jersey in action as a spectator dressed in a costume cheers on during stage 9
July 13, 2026

Tadej Pogačar Says Heat Demands Tour de France Overhaul

Stage 9 was cut by 18.6 miles under a red alert.
July 13, 2026

NBA Execs Split on Where LeBron James Will End Up

James will play a record 24th NBA season. 
Sponsored

Clase Azul Tequila Founder’s Soccer Ownership

Arturo Lomeli talks about managing a tequila brand and two soccer clubs.
July 12, 2026

Sinner Defeats Zverev at Wimbledon, Claims $4.8M Prize

Sinner won his first Grand Slam tournament of the year.
July 11, 2026

Ohtani, Judge Both Out of MLB All-Star Game

The two superstars will miss the midseason showcase.
July 11, 2026

White Sox Take UCLA’s Roch Cholowsky No. 1 in Draft

The White Sox selected the two-time Big Ten player of the year.
Jul 10, 2026; London, United Kingdom; Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates winning his semifinal match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day 12 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
July 10, 2026

Jannik Sinner Reclaims Spot in Grand Slam Final to Vie for $4.8M

Sunday’s winner will claim the No. 4 spot on the career earnings list.