Swimmer Dies During NYC Triathlon

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. (More triathlon stories.)