At the time of writing, it is still uncertain if the CrossFit Games will continue or not after the passing of athlete Lazar Dukic who drowned during the first individual event. Although all events of the first day were cancelled, at this moment, representatives are talking with athletes to see the best course of action.
If you don’t know exactly how everything about Lazar Dukic death unfolded, here is all we know so far, chronologically.
Chronological Facts of What Happened on Day 1 of the 2024 CrossFit Games
Note: all times are local Eastern Time
- 7 am
At 7 in the morning, individual athletes were stationed around the Marine Creek Lake, in Fort Worth, Texas, to begin event 1 titled “Lake Day.”
- Around 7:38 am
Tia-Clair Toomey crosses the finish line. This is the last time spectators are able to see Lazar Dukic swimming in the background of the Livestream. A few minutes later, a person from the crowd jumps into the water, presumably to warn CrossFit staff and to help Lazar Dukic who was visibly drowning.
See video below on the right top corner.
- 7:45 am
At minute 45’47’’ of the Livestream, commentator Chase Ingraham says “I thought we had Lazar Dukic in the top. I haven’t him cross the finish line, at least at what we are looking at, it might have been a chip failure.”
Following that, the comment on the Livestream was: “You’ve got to assume that might be a bit of an error, unless we simply identified him wrong coming out of the water. But I’m quite sure he was towards the top of that overall finish, no doubt.”
Note: Around this time, Lazar’s partner Anja and his brother are fearful that they cannot find the athlete after the event has ended. David Shorunke gives a detailed explanation of what happened in the background and how he, Moorad and Marconi jumped in the water to try and find him before divers arrive at the scene – this happens between 7:40 and 8:15 am.
- 8 am
The event finishes. Around the same time, Fire Department of Fort Worth answers to a calling about a drowning at the Lake where the CrossFit Games event 1 took place.
- 8:10 am
Team event were supposed to have started at 8 am. At the starting line, a voice over the speakers warns participants, media and supporters that the event 1 for teams have been cancelled without further information.
On site, a rescue boat is seen entering the lake.
- 9 am
Online speculation begins mounting as Luka Dukic is reported by many people on site to not have crossed the finish line.
- 9:15 am
CrossFit makes the Livestream of the event private – this way, no one can watch back the video again of Lazar Dukic during the swimming portion of the workout.
- 9:30 am
CrossFit deletes the last 3 posts on their CrossFit Games Instagram handle – the posts were all related to the first event and the building up to it.
- 10 am
WFAA, an ABC-affiliate in Fort Worth, reports that an emergency crew responded to a report of a drowning near “a CrossFit Games event in Fort Worth.”
- 10:05 am
Barbell Spin posts online saying they understand that “Lazar Dukic never crossed the finish line” and that search parties have entered Marine Creek Lake looking for him.
- 10:30 am
CBS News Texas reported on the tragic event. “CBS News Texas chopper was over the reservoir, which showed first responders pulling a body out of the water and putting it in a bodybag.”
- 11:42 am
CrossFit CEO Don Faul, Dave Castro, and members of the Fire Department and Police Department of Fort Worth begin a press conference at the lake.
It is the first time there is official confirmation that someone has died during event 1 of the CrossFit Games.
According to officials, the name and circumstances of the athlete are not yet made public, presumably until law enforcement has contacted the family and next of kin.
- 4 pm
Athletes are called inside Dickies Arena to talk with CrossFit staff and organisers regarding the future of the CrossFit Games.
- 4:15 pm
A few athletes, about 5 or 6, left the meeting with HQ straight away. Although the meeting continued for over 90 minutes.
- 4:38 pm
CrossFit officially announces that athlete Lazar Dukic has passed away.
“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.”
- 6:35 pm
CrossFit is yet to say anything regarding the continuation, or not, of the 2024 CrossFit Games. 5 people from each group (teams, coaches, individual men and individual women) were sent to talk to HQ and Dave Castro about what the right call might be.
- 11 pm
An email is sent to athletes telling them the CrossFit Games will resume the following morning. On Friday (9), the day begins with a tribute to Lazar Dukic at 10 am.
You can read about a GoFundMe page for Lazar Dukic here and donate.
Related: How Elite CrossFit Games Athletes Reacted to Lazar Dukic Passing
