Fireman, triathlete paralyzed after San Francisco's 'Escape From Alcatraz' triathlon
SAN FRANCISCO - What was supposed to be another athletic feat and personal accomplishment quickly turned into a disaster at San Francisco's annual "Escape From Alcatraz" event when a firefighter from Chicago became paralyzed from an injury sustained during the triathlon.
Jose Perez, a father and Chicago fireman, first told SFGate that he was paralyzed after another competitor went into the water and landed right on top of him.
Perez said he, like several others, jumped into the Bay to begin the triathlon. A video shared by event organizers showed swimmers jumping into the Bay from a boat deck right after one another.
Perez, who told the outlet he was conscious the whole time, was face down in the water and couldn't move until another swimmer flipped him over so that he could breathe.
A GoFundMe fundraiser for Perez says he was hospitalized in the ICU because of his injuries. He has since been transferred to a hospital near Denver.
What they're saying
The Chicago Fire Department Foundation also spoke about Perez's injury.
"Hearing about his injury during the triathlon hit [the foundation] hard. It's difficult to see someone so dedicated to helping others facing such a tough battle. Jose has always been there for his community, and now he needs our support," the foundation said.
The firefighter also said he felt like the triathlon was one of "the least organized races" he has participated in and said his injury could've been avoided had race officials made proper preparations, SFGATE reported.
The other side
In a statement to KTVU, event organizers confirmed a participant had a "medical emergency" during the event.
A spokesperson said their onsite medical team immediately responded and treated Perez.
Event officials said the triathlon used their yearly-evaluated safety protocols during this year's event which are in line with USA Triathlon's best practices, they claimed.
USA Triathlon is the national governing body for triathlons, duathlons, aquathlons, and more in the country.
"The safety of our participants is our priority. While thousands of triathletes have enjoyed a safe Escape experience over the past 40+ years, we always review our safety plans and water safety measures after each race and make any adjustments as needed, as we work to ensure the continued safety of this iconic race.
"The Escape team is ready to support the participant and his family during this difficult time and we wish him a full recovery," organizers said.
KTVU reached out to Perez for comment but did not hear back in time of publication.
The Source
SFGate, Escape From Alcatraz spokesperson, GoFundMe, Chicago Fire Department Foundation
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
13 minutes ago
- Yahoo
NBA news: Houston Rockets interest in trade for perennial All-Star has cooled off
The Houston Rockets are frequently linked in NBA rumors to trades for nearly every perennial All-Star that could become available. While several prominent NBA trade candidates have emerged this summer, one long viewed as a top target might no longer be coveted. According to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, Houston's long-term interest in a trade for Phoenix Suns' guard Devin Booker has cooled. While the Rockets' assets are highly coveted, the team is still pivoting away from Booker as a potential trade target in the future. Advertisement Related: Multiple teams eyeing trade for Rockets' young player Devin Booker stats (ESPN): 25.6 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 7.1 APG, 46.1% FG, 2.4 3PM per game, 33.2% 3PT Iko notes that part of the rationale for the Rockets' interest in Booker fading is due to his shooting this past season. The 28-year-old guard shot just 33.2 percent from the perimeter and his field goal percentage dropped 3.1 points (49.2 percent to 46.1 percent) from year to year. In addition, the Rockets' front office has real hesitation now about breaking up its young core, especially given the improvements made by guard Jalen Green. On top of all that, Houston is a bit wary of Booker's contract and there's a belief that Phoenix will sign him to an extension. Related: Rockets' interest in trade for future HOFer is reportedly exaggerated Devin Booker contract (Spotrac): $53.142 million cap hit (2025-'26), $57.078 million cap hit 2026-'27), $61.015 million cap hit (2027-'28) Advertisement For all of those reasons, Houston is backing off its desire to acquire Booker. While All-Star forward Kevin Durant is also a potential trade option, the crowded field of suitors could complicate a trade for the future Hall of Famer this summer. Read More: Houston Rockets targeted for trade by Eastern Conference team Related Headlines
Yahoo
14 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Potential Kevin Durant trade cost for Houston Rockets in dea with Phoenix Suns revealed
The Phoenix Suns continue to shop All-Star forward Kevin Durant ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, with the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets all pursuing him. If the future Hall of Famer is going to land in Houston, it's going to come at a very high cost. During an appearance on the Burns & Gambo Show, John Gambodoro said that any trade for Durant with the Suns will 'very likely' have to include Houston sending both Jabari Smith and Jalen Green. 'Any deal with the Rockets is very likely to include Jabari Smith and Jalen Green. And you've got it, like, they're going to want to hold on to Eason, they're going to want to hold on to Sengun. They're going to want to hold on to their key core players and probably work out a deal around Green and Jabari Smith, which we've known for a long time that those would be the key players.' John Gambodoro on what a Kevin Durant trade will cost the Houston Rockets Advertisement Related: Houston Rockets in trading for All-Star has reportedly cooled off Kevin Durant stats (ESPN): 26.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.2 APG, 52.7% FG, 43% 3PT Even if Phoenix pulls the trigger on a deal, there are reportedly already questions about Green's fit with the Suns. He'd be playing alongside Devin Booker. Both players averaged more than 17 field-goal attempts per game last season and they each shot under 36 percent from the perimeter. However, the 23-year-old Rockets' guard is still an enticing talent who Phoenix could flip later this summer for draft picks. As for the Rockets, their hesitation would be more tied to having to move Smith in the deal. Last season, the 6-foot-11 power forward averaged a career-best .117 Win Shares per 48 Minutes and really seemed to be developing in his third full season. Related: Multiple teams eyeing trade for Rockets' young player Kevin Durant contract (Spotrac): $54.708 million cap hit in 2025-'26 Advertisement At the very least, a deal centered around Green and Smith for Durant would allow the Rockets to keep Cam Whitmore, Tari Eason and Reed Shepard. The deal would also provide the Suns with a big man to slide into the starting lineup next season. Smith is also a restricted free agent next summer, so Phoenix could match any offer he receives in NBA free agency if a deal is made. Related Headlines
Yahoo
15 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Rui Costa blocks Real Madrid move on Benfica star
Real Madrid could still be blocked in the pursuit of a key summer transfer target on their FIFA Club World Cup return. Xabi Alonso has already confirmed his squad for the tournament for the USA tournament and the international transfer window reopens on June 16. Advertisement Alonso has already secured deals for defensive duo Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold for a combined total of around £60m with the pair on the flight out to Miami. However, the former midfielder is working on a third defensive target, to land after the Club World Cup, despite Benfica adding Alvaro Carreras to their travelling panel. Real Madrid confident on Carreras deal Real Madrid had previously hoped to complete a transfer deal for around €40m, but reports from Marca state they will need to pay his full €50m release clause in Lisbon. Image via Cordon Press Benfica's call to add him to their squad for the competition is a power play from Lisbon but it will not end Real Madrid's interest as they prepare for a revived effort in July. Benfica fire back on Real Madrid 'completing' Carreras swoop The situation has caused tension between the two teams and Benfica will not simply step aside. Advertisement Club president – and legendary former playmaker Rui Costa – has offered an update on the talks and rejected rumours of a deal being wrapped up. 'Carreras is going to play the Club World Cup with us and he is a Benfica player. We haven't reached any agreement with Real Madrid for him,' as per quotes from Mundo Deportivo. 'There were proposals that weren't to our liking, in Alvaro's case, and for other players.' Costa's comments double down on Benfica's view of offloading Carreras with a fresh determination indicated that the club will not accept anything less than his full exit clause to allow a release from the Estadio da Luz.
