NEW YORK, Aug. 7 (UPI) -- One competitor died Sunday and another was hospitalized with a heart attack during Sunday's New York Triathlon, officials said.
Race officials said Michael Kudryk, 64, of Freehold, N.J., died while swimming in the Hudson River as part of a three-person relay team in the triathlon and an unnamed 40-year-old woman had a heart attack during the 1,500-meter swim, The New York Times reported.
"Nobody goes into this event expecting this type of tragedy," Race Director Bill Burke told the Times. "It's one of those unforeseen life events that happens when you get this many people to participate in physical activity."
The newspaper cited a 2010 American Medical Association study that found 14 people died during triathlons between 2006 and 2008 -- 13 of them while swimming.
It also found that rescue attempts were hampered because triathletes jump into the water en masse and rescues during choppy conditions can be difficult.
Burke said the race had "a flotilla of support" in the river to help triathletes, including 53 kayakers.
Jasmine Oeinck, a professional triathlete from Boulder, Colo., told the Times heart attacks are more frequent in triathlons because their popularity are attracting a wider range of athletes.
