Luka Đukić Death & Obituary: Four weeks after the tragic death of his brother, Lazar Đukić, at the CrossFit Games, Luka Đukić has shared his account of what transpired during that devastating event. In an emotional Instagram post, Luka recounted the moments leading up to Lazar’s death and reflected on the profound impact it has had on him and his family.
Lazar, an elite CrossFit competitor, tragically died during a swim event on August 8, 2024. Luka’s post, written across eight slides, offers an intimate look into the heart-wrenching experience of losing his brother while they were both chasing their dreams. Luka described Lazar not just as his brother, but as his best friend, idol, and training partner.
The Race That Changed Everything
Luka shared that he and Lazar had prepared meticulously for the event, practicing the exact course they would follow. They had a strategy in place: Luka would take the lead during the run, “breaking the wind,” while Lazar, a stronger swimmer, would take over once they entered the water.
As the race began, everything appeared to be going according to plan. The brothers ran together in a front group of competitors. However, as they approached the water, Lazar lost a few seconds after missing the entrance, causing him and Luka to enter the water almost simultaneously. That was the last time Luka saw his brother alive.
During the swim, Luka, aware of his weaker swimming abilities, focused on maintaining his position. By the time he crossed the finish line, Luka believed his brother had already completed the event. He was surprised when his coaching staff informed him that Lazar had not yet finished. Soon after, Luka learned that his brother was missing.
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A Heartbreaking Discovery
Luka rushed to find answers, asking event officials about his brother’s whereabouts. Initially, he was told that Lazar’s timing chip had crossed the finish line, offering a momentary sense of relief. However, that relief was short-lived as Luka was later informed that Lazar had not been accounted for, and the situation was far more dire than he had imagined.
Hours later, the reality set in—Lazar had drowned during the event. Luka shared the painful detail that there were no visible attempts to save his brother, who had struggled and gone down near two volunteers on paddleboards. The volunteers, who were unequipped to handle the situation, failed to notice him.
The Aftermath and the Family’s Struggle for Answers
Luka also revealed the distressing experience of being told by CrossFit leadership that the Games would continue in tribute to Lazar. At the time, in a state of shock, Luka said he felt indifferent to the continuation of the Games, knowing that nothing could bring his brother back. However, he expressed frustration over the decision being presented as the family’s wish, despite him not wanting that responsibility.
In the days following the tragedy, Luka chose to distance himself from CrossFit officials. He expressed disappointment that his request for privacy during the tribute to his brother was not honored. Luka later received a call from the Medical Examiner’s office, who informed him that Lazar’s autopsy showed no signs of a heart attack and described his physical condition as “extremely fit.”
Luka vowed to seek answers and accountability for the tragic incident, questioning how such a catastrophic failure could occur at a high-profile event like the CrossFit Games. He emphasized the importance of understanding how his brother’s death happened, particularly in a live-streamed event with numerous officials and safety measures in place.
Remembering Lazar Đukić
In his final words, Luka expressed deep gratitude to the CrossFit community for their outpouring of support. He honored his brother’s memory, recalling Lazar as one of the best athletes and an even better person. Luka’s tribute captured the essence of his brother’s journey—from humble beginnings to becoming one of the world’s top CrossFit athletes.
Luka concluded by stating that his family would continue to search for answers and justice, but he wished for his brother to be remembered for his incredible achievements and the kind heart he had.