A fitness influencer has tragically drowned while competing in the Ironman triathlon in Texas. Authorities confirmed in a news release that fitness influencer Mara Flávia has died.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is investigating the events that led to her death. In a statement, they weighed in on the drowning.
“The MCSO can confirm that a participant in today’s Ironman Triathlon in the Woodlands has drowned….The Woodlands Fire Department (WFD) completed the rescue in Lake Woodlands near North Shore Park,” the MCSO said. “Once it was determined the participant was deceased, the MCSO began their investigation into this drowning per normal protocols.”
“MCSO Major Crimes detectives are on scene and will continue their investigation..Our deepest sympathy goes to the family and friends of this participant,” added the MCSO.
Fitness Influencer Drowns
Meanwhile, the Ironman Texas confirmed the passing of the fitness influencer in a statement: “We are saddened to confirm the death of a race participant during the swim portion of today’s IRONMAN Texas triathlon. We send our deepest sympathies to the family…and will offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time. Our gratitude goes out to the first responders for their assistance.”
New details have also surfaced in her passing. Volunteer Shawn McDonald says that the fitness influencer went underwater near the start of the swim. Lifeguards tried but failed to rescue her.
“After the start, we paddled alongside swimmers, offering a hand…Then we heard a whistle. A group of younger volunteers in a kayak on the far side of the field were raising a flag, blowing a whistle, yelling for help,” recalled McDonald. “…I could see swimmers clinging to their kayak. I heard them say, ‘She went under.’ …The panic and fear on their faces won’t leave me for a long time.”
McDonald said he tried to search for her but couldn’t find her.
“I dove in immediately and began searching … After about a minute underwater, I felt her body with my foot. I surfaced, took what seemed like the deepest breath I have ever taken and went back down. She was gone,” McDonald continued. “I lost count of how many times I dove over the next hour …”