Man Who Was Rescued From Water During Triathlon By Other Swimmers Has Passed Away

Sadly, the man who nearly drowned during a triathlon on Aug. 4 at Headlands State Beach Park passed away last week, according to what has been posted on a  Facebook group named Cleveland Tri Club.

Mickey Rzymek wrote:

The entire multisports community in Northeast Ohio is mourning the loss of triathlete Stan Bugarcic - #41.

Our condolences go out to his wife and children

I would like to personally thank all of those who responded immediately to the needs of a fellow triathlete and who were involved in his recovery effort.

We look forward to working with the triathlon community in the future for a fundraiser in Stan name.

The bib number #41 will be permanently retired in his honor

Rzymek organizes the Greater Cleveland Triathlon, which Bugarcic was competing in on Aug. 4.

Another poster on the Facebook group, Bill Haddix, had previously said that a fundraiser is being planned for Bugarcic's family on September 23rd and more details will be provided when they are available.

Bugarcic, 34, nearly died while competing in the swimming portion of Greater Cleveland Triathlon.

The man was pulled onto shore by other swimmers and then bystanders began performing CPR on him, Mentor Fire Lt. Ron Zak said.

Then race staff, who were equipped with a defibrillator, provided care. They also transferred him to an ambulance when it arrived at the beach.

Bugarcic was then taken to the hospital where he passed away on Thursday.