CrossFit Director Dave Castro and Community Pay a Tribute to Lazar Đukić Following His Death on Day One of CrossFit Games

The 2024 CrossFit Games have had a dark cloud rise above them on day one since Lazar Đukić unfortunately drowned in the first event of the competition. Although he was hoping to have his best year yet at the Games, Lazar’s life was tragically cut short. So, after a lot of deliberation, the organizers decided to have the Games continue, but only after they paid tribute to Lazar.

The second day of the 2024 CrossFit Games opened up with a gathering of the competitors, coaches, organizers, and many more. They all took the time to honor Lazar Đukić and make sure that his incredible personality is remembered.

Watch the full tribute here:

Dave Castro’s Reaction to Lazar Đukić’s Death

The director of the CrossFit Games, Dave Castro, took to YouTube on the day of Lazar Đukić’s death in order to address the incident. Although visibly shaken up, Castro revealed what the organization is striving for, with that being the focus on Lazar’s family.

“It’s been an incredibly difficult day with the incident today with Lazar, and I’m mourning just like our community is, just like the family is; and trying to focus on what we can do for them and how we can make it better with what we’re able to do with this small thing we have,” Castro said. “I want his family to be what we’re all thinking right now and what we focus on.”

“Maybe tomorrow I’ll be able to speak more, but tonight, this is it. Thank you, and I’m sorry.”

Tia-Clair Toomey: 

Patrick Vellner reposting Chandler Smith’s opinion: 

Dani Speegle:

Brooke Wells:

Justin Medeiros:

Related: How To Watch the 2024 CrossFit Games

Lazar Đukić was one of the greatest athletes that the sport of CrossFit has ever seen. He has made gigantic strides for CrossFit in Europe, winning three of the continent’s respective Semifinals. His lowest finish at the CrossFit Games was ninth, which shows that he was easily one of the fittest men on earth. However, Lazar will be remembered for his incredible career as well as his amazing personality.

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