The opening of the 2022 Ironman season at Ironman 70.3 Pucón, Chile resulted in a tragic death of a 38-year-old athlete. According to reports, the athlete suffered a heart attack while in the water.
The race had to stop after a co-athlete alerted the security personnel regarding the threatening situation of one of the athletes. The athlete received immediate medical treatment and was taken to a nearby hospital.
The identity of the athlete is not yet released to the public.
La ambulancia se lleva de urgencia a un competidor que sufrió un problema cardíaco durante la natación del Ironman 70.3 de Pucón @adnradiochile pic.twitter.com/8hU1REeVfC
— Carlos Madariaga (@CMadariaga90) January 9, 2022
The organizer released their official statement regarding the tragic incident:
[Translation]: During the swimming circuit of the IRONMAN triathlon 70.3 Pucón triathlon today, one athlete received immediate medical and was transferred to a nearby hospital where he continued to receive treatment. This after the event’s security personnel were alerted.
We are saddened to announce that the athlete passed away and our deepest condolences to the athlete’s family and friends. and friends of the athlete. In addition, we will continue to our support and respect their privacy as they go through this difficult time.
We would like to thank the athlete who assisted the security personnel of the event and the first responders who worked quickly to provide medical support to the athlete.
Despite the mishap, the 2022 Ironman season ended successfully on Sunday at Ironman 70.3 Pucon declaring Spain’s Javier Gomez and Luisa Baptista as winners.
