Ironman participant dies during race

Professional women athletes start the inaugural Sunbelt Bakery Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga race on Sunday, May 17, 2015.
Professional women athletes start the inaugural Sunbelt Bakery Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga race on Sunday, May 17, 2015.

A competitor in Sunday's Ironman Chattanooga 70.3 died at a local hospital after suffering a medical emergency during the swim leg of the event.

Ellie Seifert, public relations director for Ironman, confirmed the fatality but would not release the name of the deceased until family had been notified.

Medical attention was administered to the athlete on course before being transported to an area hospital.

"We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of one of our athletes participating in today's IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga triathlon," Ms Seifert said in a released statement. "Our condolences go out to the athlete's family and friends, whom we will continue to support."

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