Man who died after Ironman competition in Wales is named
He died three days later on July 16. Today the competitor was named by a coroner as Sam Buchan, 31, from Scotland.
The Swansea Ironman 70.3 is a triathlon event made up of 1.2 miles of swimming, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1 mile run course. Ironman Wales said staff noticed the athlete 'in difficulty" nearly half-way through the swimming part of the race, and went to help, reports WalesOnline.
Mr Buchan was then taken to hospital but died three days later, on July 16. Ironman Wales said at the time of their announcement: "It is with a heavy heart that we confirm the passing of an athlete who competed in last weekend's Ironman 70.3 Swansea triathlon.
"Approximately half-way into the swim portion of the race, swim safety personnel noticed and responded to an athlete in difficulty. The athlete received immediate medical care while being taken via boat to a designated extraction point on the harbour, where further treatment was administered.
"The athlete was then transported to the hospital where they continued to receive treatment, but sadly passed today." Their post continued: "Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the athlete.
"We will continue to offer them our support and keep them in our thoughts as they go through this challenging time. We are deeply grateful to the swim safety personnel and first responders who worked quickly to provide the athlete with medical assistance.'
The 31-year-old is youngest Ironman competitor to have died in a two-year period that has seen four deaths. It follows the death of grandfather Andrew Ireland, 61, from Bridgend, in 2023 when he drowned during the 750feet swim in the first section of the gruelling three-part race.
And in 2023, two men died while taking part in an Ironman triathlon event in Co Cork, Ireland. The men, one aged in his 40s and the other in his 60s, died in separate incidents during the swimming segment of the triathlon held in Youghal.
The men were pulled from the water by emergency services before being pronounced dead by medical personnel.
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