On August 8, 2024, the CrossFit community was shaken by the tragic death of Serbian athlete Lazar Đukić during the opening event of the 2024 CrossFit Games in Fort Worth, Texas. Đukić, 28, drowned during the swimming portion of the "Lake Day" event, which combined a 3.5-mile run with an 800-meter open-water swim at Marine Creek Lake.
Incident Details
Witnesses reported that Đukić began to struggle near the end of the swim. Despite the presence of lifeguards and safety personnel, he went under and did not resurface. Emergency responders, including dive teams and drones, recovered his body approximately an hour later . The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office later confirmed that Đukić died from accidental drowning.
Community Response
The immediate aftermath saw an outpouring of grief from the CrossFit community. CrossFit CEO Don Faul expressed deep sorrow, stating, "We're doing everything in our power during this tragic time to support the family, to support our community" . A GoFundMe campaign organized by fellow athlete Gijs Spaans raised over $260,000 to support Đukić's family
Controversy Over Event Continuation
The decision to resume the Games the following day sparked controversy. CrossFit officials claimed the continuation was in accordance with the family's wishes. However, Đukić's brother, Luka—also a competitor—disputed this, stating he had not agreed to the Games proceeding and felt his input was disregarded .
Safety Concerns and Calls for Reform
The incident raised serious questions about athlete safety protocols. Critics pointed to the lack of immediate response despite visible signs of distress and questioned the adequacy of safety measures in place . The Professional Fitness Athletes' Association (PFAA) called for an independent investigation, improved safety standards, and the removal of CrossFit's sport team leader, Dave Castro
Impact on the Sport
The tragedy had a profound impact on the CrossFit community. Several top athletes, including 2023 champions Laura Horvath and Jeffrey Adler, withdrew from the competition in protest . The incident also led to a significant decline in participation, with over 1,400 gyms de-affiliating from CrossFit and a 30% drop in Open registrations in 2025
Remembering Lazar Đukić
Lazar Đukić was a celebrated athlete, known for his achievements in CrossFit and his background in water polo. He was recognized as the "Fittest in Serbia" in 2017 and 2018 and was admired for his dedication and positive spirit . His untimely death has left a lasting void in the CrossFit community and has prompted critical discussions about athlete safety and organizational accountability.
As the CrossFit community continues to mourn, Đukić's legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of prioritizing athlete well-being in competitive sports.