The Cochran Firm Legal Blog

The case of a man who died in the 2006 Florida Ironman competition is currently being heard in Panama City, Florida with a verdict expected as early as this Friday, July 10. His family has sued North American Sports Inc. and USA Triathlon for wrongful death.

The man from Calispell, Montana had competed in a half triathlon in California, but the Florida Ironman was to be his first full competition. The Ironman triathlon consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and a marathon (roughly 26 miles) without a break.

The man had just started on his second lap of the swimming portion when he suffered a "catastrophic cardiac event" in the water. A competitor bumped into him and signaled for help. He was reportedly pulled from the water by Nave Divers and given CPR all the way to the hospital. He died three days later, November 7, 2006.

Inadequate Staff

The wrongful death suit centers around the alleged lack of staffing at the event. The plaintiff contends that this lack lead to the victim not getting the required medical attention when he needed it. While the defendants believe this death is a tragedy, they believe the staffing was adequate and a doctor for the defense believes the victim could not be saved since his heart stopped instantaneously.

Witnesses say it took paramedics more than five minutes to arrive. Add that time to getting him out of the water and to the shore, and from the outside it doesn't seem as if the staffing was appropriate. Given the grueling nature of Ironman triathlons, you would expect paramedics to be there instantly to take someone to the hospital if the need arose. This man, his wife, and his two young boys were not that lucky.

If you believe your loved one's death was caused by the negligence of another party, please contact the experienced wrongful death attorneys at the Cochran Firm for an initial consultation. We serve clients nationwide.

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