Athlete dies during IRONMAN Texas swim segment, organizers say

No further details have been released.

WASHINGTON — A participant died during the swim portion of an IRONMAN triathlon event in Texas on Saturday, organizers said.

The incident occurred during the open-water swim segment, which is widely considered the most physically demanding and high-risk portion of long-distance triathlons. The swim portion of a full-distance IRONMAN triathlon spans about 2.4 miles in open water.

The athlete has not been publicly identified, and details surrounding the death have not been released.

“We are saddened to confirm the death of a race participant during the swim portion of today’s IRONMAN Texas triathlon,” organizers said in a statement. “We send our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the athlete.”

IRONMAN events draw thousands of competitors from across the U.S. and around the world, with some races serving as qualifiers for the series’ world championship.

Officials said no further information would be released out of respect for the athlete and their family.