Ontario man drowns during Ironman race in Rocky View County, Alta.
Alberta RCMP say a man, who was participating in an Ironman race, has drowned during the competition.
Officials were called to Harmony Lake in Rocky View County, Alta., Sunday morning for reports of a drowning.
"The Ironman competition was operating today in the Rocky View County area," said Cpl. Troy Savinkoff of the Cochrane RCMP. "The actual swimming part of the race was at the new Harmony Lake community just outside of Calgary. At 7:55, our detachment received a complaint that one of the volunteers had located somebody in the water."
When emergency crews arrived, they discovered volunteers had already helped the victim, a 47-year-old Ontario man, from the water.
Despite the life-saving efforts of volunteers and EMS, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
He has not been identified, but RCMP say next of kin has been notified.
The medical examiner has been contacted to confirm the man's cause of death.
Meanwhile officials with the Ironman 70.3 Calgary race said they are "incredibly saddened" to hear of the death of the race participant.
"During the swim portion of Sunday’s race, swim safety personnel recognized the athlete in distress requiring immediate medical attention," the organization wrote in an emailed statement.
"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. We thank the swim safety personnel and first responders who worked quickly to provide the athlete with medical support."
It added, out of respect for the victim's family, no other information will be released.
Harmony Lake is located approximately a half hour west of Calgary.
Savinkoff said the Ironman race is believed to be continuing despite the incident.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.