Loss of Life at Tin Man Sprint Triathlon on Sunday

About three miles into the bike portion of this race, I knew something terrible had happened due to the sound of sirens near the transition area.   I do not have specific details and do not want to guess, but below is a report from a local news station website.  As I get verified details, I will update this thread.  My heart goes out to this man, his family and friends. 

Tin Man Triathlon

A triathlete died after competing in the Tin Man Triathlon at Lake Siskiyou, according to race officials. The man had trouble swimming and had to be taken to shore by boat. Witnesses said CPR was administered immediately. An ambulance transported the man to the hospital, but race officials said he died before he arrived. Until the tragedy, race organizers said this was the best Tin Man Triathlon in Mount Shasta history. The race had a record turn-out, with about 525 people participating. That's about 200 more than usual, thanks in part to dozens of people who call themselves "Camp Eric." They're racing to show support for Butte County Sheriff's Department investigator Eric Christopher, who had a cardiac arrest in June. The father of two young girls, ages 3 and 5, was in a coma for a few weeks. Christopher's father tells KRCR his son is no longer in a coma, but is struggling with basic communication. Christopher has worked for the sheriff's department for more than a decade. Trevor Nelson of Redding won the triathalon with a time of one hour, five minutes and about 12 seconds. All finishers swam 750 yards, biked 10 miles, and ran 4.5 miles.

Edited by MKAH 2009-09-08 8:37 AM