Days after a woman died during IRONMAN Texas, her partner shared a heartfelt letter about their love and loss. Here’s what he said.
HOUSTON — Just days after a woman died during the IRONMAN Texas race in The Woodlands, her partner is sharing an emotional message about her life, their love, and the pain of losing her.
Mara Flavia Souza Araujo, 38, of Brazil, died Saturday while competing in the event. Investigators with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office believe she drowned during the swimming portion of the race.
Now, her partner has posted a heartfelt open letter on Instagram, describing what the last few days have been like without her.
“I never imagined I would feel so much pain and sadness over losing someone,” he wrote in Portuguese.
In the letter, he says it took him days to find the strength to write about her.
“Waking up without you by my side is very, very difficult,” he wrote.
He described Araujo as someone who changed his life.
“You brought back my will to live, my joy, and the light in my eyes,” he wrote.
Her partner had previously described the 38-year-old as the most beautiful person he had ever met, saying she was dedicated, strong, kind, and a fantastic athlete.
In the letter, he also reflected on the depth of their relationship.
“With you, I had everything — absolutely everything,” he wrote.
He said his love for her will last forever.
“My love for you will be eternal,” he wrote.
Araujo was reported missing during the swim portion of the race just after 7:30 a.m. Saturday. Firefighters were called to search for a missing swimmer, and her body was recovered shortly after 9 a.m.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office said a death investigation is underway, which is standard protocol in drowning cases.
In a statement released Saturday, IRONMAN Texas said:
“We are saddened to confirm the death of a race participant during the swim portion of today’s IRONMAN Texas triathlon. We send our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the athlete and will offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time. Our gratitude goes out to the first responders for their assistance. Out of respect for the athlete and their family, we will have no further comment.”
Her partner ended his message with a reflection on their love and the future.
“Our love is eternal, and I’ll meet you at the next station,” he wrote.
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