FORT WORTH, Texas — Lazar Đukić, the CrossFit Games athlete who died while competing in a run-swim event in a Fort Worth lake Thursday, was remembered as a “remarkable athlete, brother, son, partner, and friend” during an emotional tribute Friday at Dickies Arena.
“His competitive spirit, uncommon kindness and joyful presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him,” the announcer said of Đukić.
A moment of silence was held before the 2024 CrossFit Games to Đukić, as athletes filed into the arena to begin the competition.
Watch the tribute here:
Đukić, 28, of Serbia, died Thursday morning during the opening competition of the CrossFit Games, which are being held in Fort Worth for the first time. Athletes were competing in a run-swim event at Marine Creek Lake, on the northwest side of the city at the time, officials said.
The Games organizers suspended the rest of the events for Day 1 Thursday, but events are set to continue after the Friday morning tribute to Dukic.
Đukić was a four-time CrossFit Games athlete, according to his Instagram page, and the 2024 Europe Semifinal champion. He was the first individual athlete to win three consecutive Semifinals. He was ranked 88th worldwide in the male category, 33rd in Europe and 3rd in Serbia.
In a video posted the day before his passing, Đukić said his goal was to podium at this CrossFit Games. He and his brother, Luka Đukić, were at the CrossFit Games competing together.
According to the CrossFit Games' YouTube broadcast on Day 2, Luka Đukić did not sign in for Friday afternoon's event and Lazar's lane was left empty as a tribute. Athletes could be seen stopping before and after their workouts for a moment of silence.
Lazar Đukić has previously finished ninth, eighth and ninth in the previous three CrossFit Games, respectively, according to his profile.
A GoFundMe started to support Đukić’s family exceeded its $200,000 goal, having raised $305,463 as of Friday morning.
Fort Worth Councilmember Carlos Flores released a statement saying in part:
"As the City Council representative of District 2, where Marine Creek Lake is located, I want to express my deepest condolences to Mr. Đukić's family and loved ones. Any loss of life is always tragic and traumatic, and our hearts go out to those affected during this difficult time. Mr. Đukić was a remarkable individual, known for his achievements as a four-time CrossFit Games athlete."
Former CEO of CrossFit Dave Castro expressed his condolences to Đukić’s family in a video online.
“It’s been an incredibly difficult day with the incident today with Lazar, and I’m mourning just like our community is. Just like the family is. And trying to focus on what we can do for them and how we can make it better with what we’re able to do with this small thing we have,” Castro said.