CrossFit Games in Fort Worth continue with tribute to Lazar Dukic, athlete who drowned in swimming event
FORT WORTH – The CrossFit Games in Fort Worth continued on Friday starting with a tribute to an athlete who drowned in Marine Creek Lake Thursday, the first day of the competition.
Thousands from around the world filled Dickies Arena for the tribute, during which officials announced the 2024 CrossFit Games were dedicated to Lazar Dukic.
One woman traveled from Mexico City to Fort Worth and said she's been a follower of Dukic for years.
"We heard about it on Instagram, and the reaction was like a shock, to be honest," said Lauren Garcia. "We do CrossFit. It was really a shock, still in shock. We are here to support him. I'm sending a big hug to the family."
The tribute included a moment of silence and screenshots of social media posts displayed on the big screen consisting of pictures, videos and kind words to Dukic and his family.
Dukic, 28, of Serbia, died during the swimming portion of individual event No. 1 at the 2024 CrossFit Games, according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office. The rest of Thursday's events and activities were canceled but the games resumed Friday and will continue through Sunday.
"After careful thought and many conversations internally, with athletes, and with Lazar Đukić's family, it's been decided that the CrossFit Games will continue throughout the remainder of the weekend at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas," a message from the organization's PR firm said.
A GoFundMe established for Dukic's family raised over $310,000 as of Friday afternoon.
This is the first time the CrossFit Games were held in Fort Worth. Previous locations include Carson, California, and Madison, Wisconsin.