Ironman Athlete Dies After Medical Emergency During Wisconsin Race
A 51-year-old competitor from Colorado was pulled from the water and died before finishing the Ironman 70.3 Wisconsin event.
An Ironman participant in Wisconsin died on Saturday after experiencing a medical emergency in Lake Monona, according to race organizers and local authorities. The 51-year-old athlete, who hailed from Colorado, was unable to complete the Ironman 70.3 race.
Organizers for Ironman USA Midwest confirmed the athlete's death in a statement on Facebook later that evening. "We are deeply saddened to confirm that an athlete passed away during today's IRONMAN 70.3 Wisconsin event after experiencing a medical emergency," the statement read. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the athlete's family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time."
The Madison Fire Department received a call at 7:47 a.m. regarding a rescue from the water, according to Cynthia Schuster, a department spokesperson who spoke with The Athletic. Firefighters and paramedics responded to the shoreline to provide aid. Schuster reported that the athlete had no pulse and was not breathing when emergency personnel arrived, and life-saving measures were initiated.
The athlete was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The cause of his unresponsiveness and cardiac arrest is unknown.
The Ironman 70.3 is a 70.3-mile race that includes a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run. The full Ironman event, featuring longer distances, was scheduled for the following day. The identity of the deceased athlete has not been publicly released.
