Claremore Man Dies After Pulled From Lake During Cleveland, Ohio Triathlon

Authorities say a 75-year-old Oklahoma man competing in the swimming portion of the Cleveland Triathlon was found unconscious in Lake Erie and later died.

USA Triathlon told WOIO, the CBS affiliate in Cleveland, the death of Claremore resident Jim Hix happened on Saturday morning.

The U.S. Coast Guard says a crew saw Hix floating in the water and tried to revive him onboard a boat. He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

Hix won the duathlon national championship for his age group last year and has represented the U.S. at international events.

“Our sport lost a member of its beloved community and we extend our heartfelt condolences to Jim’s wife, Ann, his family and friends,” said USA Triathlon CEO Rocky Harris in a press release. “As one of the nation’s top multisport athletes in his age group, Jim and USA Triathlon shared a close relationship and his passing is particularly difficult.”

A cause of death hasn't yet been determined.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.