Photo: Facebook; City of Madison Fire Department
Two men who were competing in a Wisconsin Ironman 70.3 triathlon over the weekend both sadly died in what officials are calling a “tragic coincidence.”
Todd Mahoney and Michael McCulloch died on Sunday while competing in the swim portion of the three-part race,according to the Madison Fire Department,who treated the athletes during the “separate emergencies.”
Fire officials said McCulloch was pronounced dead at the local hospital, but Mahoney, who was rescued at 8:52 a.m., remained in critical condition and “fought for his life over the next 48 hours” until Tuesday when he sadly passed away.
Todd Mahoney.City of Madison Fire Department
Shortly after news of the men’s deaths, race officials issued a statement on Sunday where they reiterated the importance of their competitors’ safety and well-being.
“We will continue to work with the local authorities to gather all the details on these incidents and will continue to do everything possible to provide a safe environment for our athletes,” race officials continued. “In respect of the families and athletes privacy, we will have no further comment at this time.”
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On Tuesday, Madison’s Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conwayissued a statementin which she expressed her condolences over the loss of the two men.
“My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the two athletes who died while competing in the Half Iron Man on Sunday,” Rhodes-Conway wrote. “We know that in the past this, and other Madison athletic events, have been safe and fun competitions for both participants and their families.”
“It is a tragic coincidence that two men died competing in the same event,” she continued. “I know that the investigation into these incidents will continue, and we look forward to assuring that all proper safety precautions are in place for this event and others throughout the summer and year.”
Michael McCulloch.Facebook
Mahoney, a native of Reedsburg, was a nine-year veteran of the Madison Fire Department and became a firefighter in 2010, according to his former employers.
In McCulloch’s obituary, the Cottage Grove resident was remembered for his love of staying active through triathlon, biking, ballroom dancing and hiking, and his ability to leave an impact on everyone he crossed paths with.
“He touched the lives of so many through his family, friends, work, and hobbies,” his familywrote. “His one-liners would bring raucous laughter to a group, while his empathy and compassion one-on-one was genuine and comforting.”
McCulloch leaves behind his wife Lisa and their daughter Erin, in addition to his extended family and siblings.
source: people.com
