SINGAPORE - Tragedy struck at the Singapore International Triathlon at East Coast Park on Sunday (Sept 10) morning, as a 42-year-old male competitor died after being rushed to the hospital.
Police said they were alerted at 12.59pm that the man, Stephen Begley, was pronounced dead at Singapore General Hospital.
He was a former professional rugby player who used to play in France, Scotland and Ireland.
It is believed that the incident happened just before 10am and he was competing in the standard distance relay event, where a trio would each take on a part of the race comprising 1.5km swim, 36km cycle and 10km run.
ST understands that the incident happened just before 10am. He was pulled out of the waters onto the shore, where a medical crew attempted to resuscitate him through CPR. He was later evacuated to the Singapore General Hospital, where he died. The cause of death has yet to be determined.
The late Begley was the youngest of three siblings, and he worked as a wealth manager at St James's Place Wealth Management. He moved to Singapore in 2012.
A statement from Triathlon Association of Singapore read: "We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of a competitor during the swim portion of the Singapore International Triathlon 2017.
"Immediate medical assistance and resuscitation was commenced at the event site. We also had a medical doctor with an Automated External Defibrillator and other medical equipment for resuscitation on site.
"(The competitor) was transported to Singapore General Hospital where he was treated. Sadly, he could not be revived despite resuscitation efforts.
"At this moment, we have established contact with his family and we will do our best to render them any assistance they may require at this point in time. We are saddened and all our prayers are with his family at this time. We will only be able to share more details once investigation has been completed."
Fellow participant Rosena Johnston, 46, who was at the start-line before the start of her race at 9.45am, saw medical personnel attending to him.
The physiotherapist, along with other participants in the women's sprint category, were told by organisers that the start of their race will be delayed to 10am.
She said: "It was hard to see someone so unwell before I embarked on my first race. But I felt reassured because of how they dealt with the situation."
It was the second fatality to strike at the event. In 2009, Calvin Lee, also 42, died while participating in the triathlon.
He drowned during the 1.5km swim leg, and autopsy had later revealed that he had a previously undetected heart condition on race day. Attempts to revive him using CPR and a defibrillator were not successful.
