Participant dies during water portion of Nantucket triathlon, organizers say

A competitor in the Nantucket Triathlon died Saturday morning while swimming, the race organizer confirmed.

The identity of the deceased had not yet been released on Monday evening.

“We are deeply saddened to confirm that a participant in this weekend’s triathlon suffered a medical emergency during the swim portion of the race and, despite immediate medical attention, tragically passed away,” Bill Burnett, founder of race organizer Streamline Events, said in a statement.

Emergency responders were alerted to the unresponsive contestant just after 7 a.m., 7 News Boston reported. Rescuers brought the contestant to shore and they were taken to Nantucket Cottage Hospital, where they were pronounced dead, the station reported.

The Nantucket Triathlon course spans the entire island. It consists of a 600-yard swim, a 13.5-mile bike ride, and a 3.5-mile run.

“We ask that the entire island and all the visiting athletes stand with the family and friends affected by this tragedy,” Burnett said. “They need our love and prayers.”

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