Alberta senior dies during B.C. Ironman swim
Last Updated: Monday, August 31, 2009 | 5:29 PM ET
CBC News
A senior participating in the Subaru Ironman Canada triathlon in Penticton died while swimming the first leg of the race on Sunday, officials have confirmed.
Walter Eugene Wiwchar, 66, of Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., was in the middle of the swim portion of the race when he appeared to get tired, a race volunteer said.
Regional coroner Bruce Chamberlayne said efforts to save Wiwchar failed.
"He was attended to immediately by one of the swim escort kayakers ... and medical attention was given immediately. He was transported to Penticton Regional Hospital and declared deceased at that time," said Chamberlayne.
An autopsy is planned for early this week, but based on initial inquiries, Chamberlayne said Wiwchar appeared to have been an athlete with no previous medical difficulties.
The death was the first in the race's 27-year history. The Penticton Ironman race is a full-distance triathlon, which includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run.
