Two deaths in two years: Miami woman dies after Ironman competition in Augusta

A Florida woman died after competing in the 2022 Ironman 70.3 in Augusta.

Evelyn Lopez, 44, of Miami, Florida, on Sunday was competing in the triathlon when she became unresponsive during the swimming portion of the race. The race also included a 56-mile bike ride and a half marathon.

Lopez was pulled from the water by a rescue team and taken to Augusta University Medical Center. She was pronounced dead at 5:40 p.m. Monday. An autopsy was requested.

"We share our greatest sympathies with the family and friends of the athlete and will continue to offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time," noted a statement from Ironman organizers. "We thank the swim safety personnel and first responders who worked quickly to provide the athlete with medical support. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we will have no further comment.”

Another Ironman death: Competitor, local attorney in Ironman 70.3 Augusta dies during swim portion of event

This is second consecutive year a competitor has died after the annual Ironman race.

Attorney George Hall, 60, of Martinez, was swimming in the Savannah River in the 1.2-mile first leg of the 2021 race when he became unresponsive.

Augusta Fire & EMA tweeted later in the day that a water rescue member on a personal watercraft helped pull Hall out of the water and started trying to save him. Hall was then put on a boat, where firefighters and EMTs continued giving aid.

Once the boat reached the dock, he was handed off to an ambulance crew. Hall was sent to Augusta University Medical Center and pronounced dead at 8:41 a.m.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Miami woman, Evelyn Lopez, dies after competing in 2022 Ironman race