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Swimmer Dies During NYC Triathlon

First death in race's 8-year history may be due to cardiac arrest

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 21, 2008 4:19 AM CDT
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(Newser) – An Argentinian man died after experiencing difficulties midway through the swim portion of the New York Triathlon yesterday, the Daily News reports. He was pulled out of the water after fellow swimmers noticed him struggling, and was pronounced dead at a hospital. Initial reports indicate that cardiac arrest was the cause of death. An autopsy is expected today.

It was the first death in the 8-year history of the race. "If something like that was going to happen it would happen today," said one racer. "It's been hotter than hell." But the race director pointed out that the swimmer died in 72-degree water. "The sheer physical exertion could have something to do with it but not the heat," he said. Swimmers were also plagued by jelly fish stings.

Fans wait at the finish line of the New York City triathlon. With the city under blistering heat, several runners required hospitilization before the race was over.
Fans wait at the finish line of the New York City triathlon. With the city under blistering heat, several runners required hospitilization before the race was over.   (Flickr)
The New York triathlon consisted of a 0.93-mile swim in the Hudson River, a 24.8-mile bicycle ride, and a 6.2-mile run through the streets and ending in Central Park.
The New York triathlon consisted of a 0.93-mile swim in the Hudson River, a 24.8-mile bicycle ride, and a 6.2-mile run through the streets and ending in Central Park.   (Flickr)
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