Yesterday, Ironman 70.3 Augusta was overshadowed by the tragic death of an athlete. The athlete, who took part in the team relay, was later identified as George Hall, an Augusta local.
On Twitter, the Augusta Fire and EMA department stated that the athlete was taken out of the water, onto a jet ski where the team started performing CPR. While the team continued performing live saving measures, the man was taken back to the shore and later to the hospital.
“I was heartbroken,” David Hudson, a good friend and colleague of Hall, told WRDW. “Here was a man in the prime of his life, doing something he enjoyed doing, which was athletics. It was a joy everyday to see him and talk to him, and share things of mutual interest. That empty office is going to be the greatest loss.”
On Facebook, Ironman wrote: “We are incredibly saddened to confirm the death of a race participant at the Ironman 70.3 Augusta. The athlete received immediate medical attention upon swim safety personnel being alerted of the distressed athlete during the swim portion of Sunday’s race. We share our greatest sympathies with the family and friends of the athlete and will continue to offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time. We thank the swim safety personnel and first responders who worked quickly to provide the athlete with medical support.”
