Man Dies During Triathlon After Heart Attack While Swimming
ASHLAND (CBS) – A man died while competing in a triathlon Saturday morning at Hopkinton State Park.
The man, who was in his 40s, suffered a heart attack during the swim portion of the race.
Since it was the start of the triathlon season, medical personnel were on shore and ready to help when a lifeguard spotted the man struggling in the water.
"Lifeguards were in kayaks and they were following the pack. It was identified by the lifeguards that a swimmer was in distress. They approached the swimmer and realized the situation. The environmental police were also there in a boat. So they were able to get the athlete into the boat, and they moved the athlete," said Lyn Moraghan of the Ashland Fire Department.
"They were doing a very rigorous heart massage and they were going at it nonstop," said witness Victor Acosta. "There was a good current to bring the athletes in. It was such a perfect day- and for something so tragic to happen on a day like that."
Emergency crews tried to resuscitate the man before he was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The victim has not been identified.
