Update:

The Games will resume today at 11am. See the events below.

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The 2024 CrossFit Games were abruptly halted following the tragic death of athlete Lazar Dukic during the first individual event.

Dukic drowned during a swim portion of the competition, casting a shadow over the entire event and leading to the immediate cancellation of all Day 1 activities.

As discussions continue regarding the future of this year’s Games, here is a detailed, factual account of the events as they unfolded.

Timeline of Events on Day 1 of the 2024 CrossFit Games

7:00 am: Event 1 Begins

The day started with individual athletes assembling at Marine Creek Lake in Fort Worth, Texas, for Event 1, titled “Lake Day.” The athletes, including Lazar Dukic, prepared to compete in a challenging swim-run event under clear skies.

7:30 am: Concerns Arise

Athlete David Shorunke was watching the Livestream of the event, tracking his friends and fellow competitors, including Lazar Dukic, who was his pick for winning the event. As the lead swimmers, including Dukic, neared the finish line, Shorunke made his way down to the shore.

7:38 am: Final Sight of Dukic

Tia-Clair Toomey crossed the finish line, concluding her swim. During the Livestream, Dukic was last seen in the background, struggling in the water. Moments later, spectators near the shore noticed Dukic in distress.

7:40 am: Dukic Goes Missing

Shorunke observed fellow competitor Emma cross the finish line and went to check in on the athletes. Upon arrival, he found Dukic’s partner, Anja, in tears, unable to locate him.

At this time, two women approached CrossFit Games staff, urgently reporting that they had seen someone go under the water and had called for help, but no action had been taken.

Shorunke tried to reassure Anja, highlighting Dukic’s strong swimming abilities.

Meanwhile, concern deepened as Shorunke saw Luka, Dukic’s brother, and Anja running frantically around the event site, still unable to find him.

Shorunke attempted to assist by asking event staff about search efforts along the shoreline and in the reeds, suspecting that Dukic might have swum to shore in exhaustion. Some areas had been searched, but others had not.

7:45 am: Commentators Note Dukic’s Absence

On the Livestream, commentator Chase Ingraham expressed concern, noting that Dukic had not crossed the finish line. He speculated that it could have been a chip malfunction or a misidentification of athletes. However, by this time, alarm was growing among those on-site.

8:00 am: Emergency Response Activated

The event officially concluded, but Dukic had still not surfaced. The Fort Worth Fire Department received a call about a possible drowning at Marine Creek Lake. Meanwhile, team events scheduled to start at 8:00 am were suddenly canceled, and a rescue boat was seen entering the lake.

8:15 am: Search Efforts Intensify

Shorunke, along with athletes Moorad and Marconi, entered the water themselves, searching for Dukic near the last orange buoy where he was last seen. Despite their efforts, the water was too deep and murky to make any progress. Around 20 to 30 minutes later, the Fort Worth Fire Department’s dive team arrived and took over the search.

9:00 am: Online Speculation and CrossFit’s Response

As news spread, speculation mounted online regarding Dukic’s whereabouts. By 9:15 am, CrossFit had made the Livestream private and shortly after deleted three Instagram posts related to the first event. The silence from official channels fueled further concern.

10:00 am: Media Reports Emerge

Local media began reporting on the situation. WFAA, an ABC-affiliate in Fort Worth, noted that emergency crews were responding to a drowning at the lake where the CrossFit event was taking place. Barbell Spin reported that Dukic had not finished the event and that search operations were ongoing.

10:30 am: Body Recovered

CBS News Texas reported that a body had been recovered from the lake. Their footage showed first responders pulling the body from the water and placing it in a body bag. This development confirmed the worst fears of those involved.

11:42 am: Press Conference Confirms Death

In a press conference held by CrossFit CEO Don Faul, Dave Castro, and members of the Fort Worth Fire and Police Departments, officials confirmed that a death had occurred during Event 1. However, they withheld the identity of the athlete until next of kin were notified.

The Aftermath: Discussions About the Future of the CrossFit Games

4:00 pm: Meeting with Athletes

Later in the day, athletes were called to Dickies Arena to discuss the future of the Games with CrossFit organizers. The meeting, which lasted over 90 minutes, saw some athletes leave early while others continued discussions about whether to proceed with the competition.

4:38 pm: Official Announcement of Dukic’s Death

CrossFit issued an official statement at 4:38 pm, confirming the death of Lazar Dukic. The statement expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to Dukic’s family, friends, and fellow athletes. CrossFit also noted that they would provide further updates as more information became available.

Current Status: Uncertainty Surrounds the 2024 CrossFit Games

6:35 pm: No Decision on Continuation

By the evening, no decision had been made regarding the continuation of the 2024 CrossFit Games. Representatives from various groups, including athletes and coaches, were still engaged in discussions with CrossFit HQ to determine the next steps.

Investigation and Reflections

In the aftermath of this tragedy, questions are being raised about how one of the strongest athletes, both a skilled runner and swimmer, could have drowned so close to the finish line in full view of lifeguards, medical personnel, and spectators. An investigation is ongoing to uncover the circumstances that led to this devastating incident.

Supporting the Dukic Family

A GoFundMe page has been established to support Lazar Dukic’s family during this difficult time. Those wishing to contribute can do so through this page, providing financial assistance to his loved ones in their time of need.

2024 Crossfit Games Schedule for August 9

11am – A Tribute to Lazar Ðukić

1:20 pm: Workout 2 – Midline Climb

For time:

50 deadlifts (155/225 lb)

5 rope climbs

30/50 ski-erg calories

5 rope climbs

50 GHD sit-ups

5 rope climbs

50 GHD sit-ups

5 rope climbs

30/50 ski-erg calories

5 rope climbs

50 deadlifts 

6:30 pm: Workout 3 – Firestorm

3 rounds for time of:

Echo-bike calories (11/15)

11 burpees over barricade

9:30pm: Workout 4 – Track and Field

For time:

1,600-meter run

Then, at the 12-minute mark:

50-yard sprint

50-yard bag carry (70/100 lb)

75-yard sprint

75-yard bag carry

100-yard sprint