A 75-year-old man has died after being pulled from the waters of Lake Erie while competing in this weekend's USA Triathlon Saturday morning.
USA Triathlon confirmed the death of Oklahoma native Jim Hix. The U.S. Coast Guard said crews saw his body "floating" in the water and brought him aboard to administer CPR. He was later taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Hix won the duathlon national championship in the men's 75-79 age group in 2017, and represented the United States at various international events.
USA Triathlon CEO Rocky Harris issued the following statement:
"Our sport lost a member of its beloved community and we extend our heartfelt condolences to Jim's wife, Ann, his family and friends. As one of the nation's top multisport athletes in his age group, Jim and USA Triathlon shared a close relationship and his passing is particularly difficult."
Hix's exact cause of death is not known at this time.