Wisconsin Firefighter Dies In Ironman 70.3 Triathlon

MADISON, WI — A second person who competed in the Ironman 70.3 triathlon in Madison over the weekend has died.

According to the City of Madison Fire Department, Madison firefighters transported two swimmers who were rescued from Lake Monona during the swimming portion of the triathlon.

The first, officials said, was Michael McCulloch of Cottage Grove. Official said McCulloch was pronounced dead at the hospital later that day.

On Tuesday, Madison Fire Department officials confirmed that the second patient at Sunday’s Ironman 70.3 Wisconsin swimming event was Todd Mahoney, an Apparatus Engineer with the City of Madison Fire Department.

Fire officials said Mahoney was rescued from the water at 8:52 a.m. Sunday, and lifesaving attempts continued as he was transported to SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital, where he remained in critical condition. Mahoney fought for his life over the next 48 hours. He passed away earlier today at the hospital.

Mahoney was a nine-year veteran of the Madison Fire Department. He previously served at Fire Station 9 on Midvale Blvd., and he was a paramedic at Fire Station 8 on Lien Road. He began his career as a firefighter in 2010. He is survived by his wife and three young sons.

The Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office is investigating the cause of Mahoney’s death.

On Tuesday, a procession of first responder vehicles transported Mahoney's body from the hospital to the Dane County Medical Examiner's Office.