Sports

Montgomery County Man Dies During The Woodlands Ironman Competition

Athletes were taking part in the two-mile swim, when they noticed the 54-year old Montgomery County man was in trouble.

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- A 54-year old man competing in the swimming portion of the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas North American Championship, in The Woodlands, died early Saturday.

Athletes began the two mile swim, the first of three scheduled events for the triathlon, at about 6 a.m.

Officials with the Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office, said that about 8:30 a.m, other competitors noticed the man was in distress, and pulled him to shore.

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Race officials took the man from the water and EMS began administering CPR on the man on the way to the hospital, but the man was pronounced dead a short time later.

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Race officials released the following statement:

“We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of one of our athletes at today’s IRONMAN North American Championship Texas triathlon. The athlete required medical attention during the swim portion of Saturday’s race and was transported to a nearby hospital where they were treated. Our condolences go out to the athlete’s family and friends, whom we have been in contact with and will continue to support. As with any event of this nature, we will work with the local authorities to gather all the details on how this incident occurred and will continue to do everything possible to provide a safe environment for our athletes.”

Officials have not released the identify of the 54-year old man, only that he was a Montgomery County resident.

Image: Scott Ellis via Flickr

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