Man Dies at Alcatraz Triathlon, Suffers Heart Attack in Cold Water
A man competing in the Escape Alcatraz Triathlon suffered a heart attack on Sunday in Northern California during the swimming portion of the competition.
The man, 46, died early Sunday morning after attempts to resuscitate him both in and out of the water failed. It is unclear was brought on the heart attack, although the temperature of the water was about ten degrees colder according to officials.
The race was held this year three months earlier than usual. Last year's race occurred in June. Race officials do not believe that cold temperatures were a factor in the man's death.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
"Was it colder than normal? Yes. But in my opinion, the water temperature was not a factor at all in this tragedy," Bill Burke, the race's director, told The San Francisco Chronicle. "The gentleman obviously had a heart condition he was unaware of."
The temperature of the water was about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures of the water in June can go up to 70 degrees. Race officials declared that the death was the first to take place in a 33-year-history of the event, according to the Associated Press.
The race consists of a 1.5-mile run, an 18-mile bike ride, and another 8-mile run. By triathlon standards, the length of the Alcatraz competition lies somewhere between a Standard and Long Course event; the "Ironman" includes a swim of 2.4 miles.
The Alcatraz race attracts competitors from across the world. The 46-year-old man, who has not yet been identified, entered the race from Austin, Texas. Officials have said that the incident should demonstrate the importance of having physical exams before engaging in such strenuous activity.
"What happened today was very, very sad," Burke said. "It underscores that athletes need to be checked carefully by a cardiologist before pushing themselves."
The winner of the race was Olympian Javier Gomez, 29, from Spain.
