28-year-old Lazar Dukic from Serbia breathed his last during a CrossFit competition in Texas. Lazar was racing at Marine Creek Lake near the city of Fort Worth on Thursday morning when he suddenly disappeared under the water just before the finish line and never resurfaced, Fort Worth emergency officials said.

Emergency services were called at around 08:00 local time (14:00 BST) to collect the man’s body which was recovered an hour after the incident.

Video circulating on X shows Lazar shortly before the finish trying to stay out of the water but failing.

The games announcement reads: “We are devastated by the death of Lazar Dukic. Our hearts go out to all of Lazar’s family, friends and teammates. Out of respect for the family and in cooperation with the Fort Worth Police Department, we will share any information about the incident when possible.”

The search for Dukic’s body involved a dive team from the Fort Worth Police Department as well as drones, CBS News reported, citing local officials.

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CrossFit CEO Don Faul said Dukic was a “loved and respected” member of their community.

“There are a lot of people in the community who are hurting right now,” he said.

“A lot of people are grieving. We want to do everything we can to support the community, support the family.” underlined.

He also said there was one “fully documented security plan” and that security personnel were on site throughout the event.

According to Dukic’s biography on the event’s website, the Serb was the No. 3 athlete in the event in his country and No. 88 in the world rankings.