Athlete dies during Noosa Triathlon

A Victorian man has died after he was pulled from the water during the 40th anniversary Noosa Triathlon on Sunday.

A 53-year-old Victorian man has died during the swimming leg of the Noosa Triathlon on Sunday morning.
The athlete was taking part in the 40th anniversary of the event at Main Beach, Noosa Heads, Queensland, when he was pulled from the water about 7.50am Sunday.

Event organisers said the man immediately received aid from fellow athletes before he was pulled from the water for continued medical assistance by water safety and medical personnel.
CPR was performed but the man was unable to be revived and declared dead at the scene.

A Queensland Police Service spokesman said the 53-year-old’s death was being treated as non-suspicious.

The 53-year-old man was pulled from the water on Sunday morning. Picture: Noosa Triathlon/News Corp Australia

A Noosa Triathlon spokesman said the organisation was “deeply saddened” to confirm the man’s death, in a post on social media.

“Our condolences go out to the athlete’s family and friends, whom we will continue to offer our support,” they wrote.

“We thank the athletes who stopped to provide aid, as well as the first responders and medical personnel who worked quickly to provide (him) with medical support.”

The triathlon, which attracted over 7,000 competitors, includes a 1.5km swim, 40km bike race and 10km run.

The man’s death is understood to be the third fatality during the event’s 40 year history.

In 2004, athlete Peter Semos died after suffering a heart attack near the finish line of the run leg.

Police are preparing a report for the coroner.

More to come.