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Delaware man dies while competing in Cape May triathlon, police say
An elderly competitor died after nearly completing the Escape the Cape Triathlon Sunday morning.
CAPE MAY COUNTY, N.J. - The Escape the Cape Triathlon took a tragic turn Sunday when a competitor died during the race.
The 70-plus-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware, was reportedly spotted in distress by lifeguards near the swim finish in Lower Township around 8:30 a.m.
He was pulled from the water, and taken to the beach near David Douglass Sr. Memorial Park. Medics attempted to resuscitate him with CPR, according to police.
An on-site ambulance transported the man to Cape Regional Medical Center, where he was reportedly pronounced dead.
The 70-year-old athlete had nearly completed the Open Water Classic portion of the Escape the Cape Triathlon.
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"I’m heartbroken," said Stephen DelMonte, CEO of DelMoSports LLC. "DelMoSports and USA Triathlon lost a member of its beloved community, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends."
Officials say an autopsy will be performed.