The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office has officially ruled the cause of death for CrossFit athlete Lazar Đukić as “drowning,” categorizing it as an “accident.” This tragic confirmation puts to rest earlier speculation surrounding the circumstances of his untimely passing.
Lazar Đukić, a revered figure in the CrossFit community, tragically lost his life on August 8th during the first event of the 2024 CrossFit Games. The event, a grueling combination of running and swimming, took place at Marine Creek Lake in Fort Worth, Texas. The incident sent shockwaves through the fitness world, leaving fans and fellow athletes heartbroken.
Đukić was celebrated as one of the most talented athletes of his generation, with a remarkable record that included back-to-back top-10 finishes at the CrossFit Games, securing 9th and 8th place in recent years. His athletic prowess, especially in water-based events, stemmed from his background as a skilled water polo player, which made the circumstances of his death all the more puzzling.
Initial speculation about his death suggested he might have suffered a heart attack while swimming, given his history of competing in high-intensity events. Fitness commentator Sevan Matossian even linked his potential heart health issues to an earlier incident during the Dubai Championship Fitness event in 2022, where Đukić reportedly experienced distress climbing the stairs of the Burj Khalifa.
However, the medical examiner’s conclusion dispels these theories. It is now confirmed that Đukić’s passing was caused solely by drowning, as other panels of specialists had previously suspected.
What Comes Next?
Three months have passed since the tragic death of Lazar Đukić, yet the CrossFit community remains in a state of uncertainty about what the future holds. Athletes and fans alike are still waiting for clarity and decisive action from CrossFit HQ.
The day after the incident, CrossFit CEO Don Faul addressed the tragedy in a public statement, announcing that a third-party investigation had been initiated to review what happened. Just a few days after the conclusion of the 2024 CrossFit Games, Faul released another statement, assuring the community that CrossFit is “committed to implementing any necessary changes that are determined based on the results of this investigation.” However, as weeks turned into months, many are questioning the pace and transparency of these efforts.
The Professional Fitness Athlete Association (PFAA) responded swiftly to the tragedy, issuing three formal demands less than two weeks after Lazar’s passing. Among these demands was the removal of Dave Castro from his position within CrossFit’s Sport Team. This call for accountability highlights the growing tension between the athlete community and CrossFit leadership.
Luka Đukić, Lazar’s brother and a fellow CrossFit athlete who was competing at the same event, has publicly criticized CrossFit HQ for their handling of the situation. Luka revealed that he was consulted about whether the Games should continue after his brother’s death but was ultimately told by Castro that “it wasn’t up to him [Luka] anyway.” Castro later admitted he had never faced a situation of this magnitude before and confessed that he made a mistake in his decision-making.
At present, CrossFit has remained largely silent regarding the status of the third-party investigation into the tragic death of Lazar Đukić. The organization has provided minimal updates on whether any concrete steps have been taken to prevent such a heartbreaking incident from happening again.
Dave Castro continues to serve as the Director of CrossFit’s Sport Team, a position that has come under scrutiny following the events of the 2024 CrossFit Games. Despite calls for his removal by the Professional Fitness Athlete Association (PFAA), no action has been taken to address these demands or to publicly outline a plan for future athlete safety measures.
Meanwhile, CrossFit CEO Don Faul, who initially assured the community of the company’s commitment to implementing changes based on the investigation’s findings, has not issued any additional statements since August 12.
As the investigation continues, the CrossFit community is left grappling with grief, frustration, and an overwhelming desire for answers. Lazar Đukić’s death has cast a long shadow over the sport, forcing difficult conversations about safety, accountability, and the future of CrossFit competitions. While the road ahead remains unclear, one thing is certain: the community will not let this tragedy be forgotten.
Following the tragic death of Lazar Đukić during the first event of the 2024 CrossFit Games, several athletes made the difficult decision to withdraw from the competition. Their choices were deeply personal, reflecting the profound impact of the incident on the CrossFit community.
The athletes who withdrew from the 2024 CrossFit Games include:
Individual Women:
- Laura Horvath
- Karin Freyová
- Victoria Campos
- Emma Tall
- Elisa Fuliano
- Jacqueline Dahlstrøm
- Dani Speegle
- Arielle Loewen
Individual Men:
- Luka Đukić
- Jeffrey Adler
- Moritz Fiebig
- Gui Malheiros
Teams:
- CrossFit Walleye Orka
- C23 CrossFit The Progrm Motion
