68-Year-Old Suwanee Man Dies During Triathlon

A participant from Suwanee lost his life in the PPD Beach2Battleship Triathlon this weekend.

Roger Ackerman, 68, had participated in more than 20 100-mile races before the Wilmington, N.C., triathlon Saturday, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Although Ackerman had a stent in his heart, he was medically cleared to go forth with the triathlon, Fox 6 Atlanta reports. Signed up for the half course, he was swimming the 1.2-mile route during the first portion of the race in a channel connected to the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway when he had a cardiac episode.

Ackerman was given CPR but could not be revived. His family was not at the triathlon and his wife was notified during a phone call, according to the AJC.

The Wilmington Family YMCA and Set Up Events released the following statement:

“The Wilmington Family YMCA and Set Up Events have a long history of providing a safe environment for our members, participants, and the community to enjoy triathlons and other racing events. We are constantly reviewing our policies and procedures in an effort to improve safety. Our thoughts and prayers go out to this individual and his family.”