Summary:
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Mara Flávia Araujo tragically died during a triathlon swim in The Woodlands, Texas, prompting an investigation.
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Rescue operation turned into recovery as Araujo was found underwater in Lake Woodlands; challenging conditions faced by workers.
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Araujo, a Brazilian triathlete and former journalist, was known for her dedication to athletics and had a large following.
Mara Flávia Araujo, a 38-year-old Brazilian triathlete, died on Saturday, April 18, during the swim portion of the Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Texas triathlon held in The Woodlands, approximately 30 miles north of Houston.
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The Woodlands Fire Chief Palmer Buck said the response began as a rescue operation after crews were notified around 7:30 a.m. of a lost swimmer in Lake Woodlands near Northshore Park. The fire department said sonar located a target at 8:02 a.m., and a victim was confirmed roughly 10 feet underwater at 9:07 a.m. She was pulled from the lake at 9:39 a.m. and pronounced dead shortly after.
Rescue workers described challenging conditions due to heavy activity on the water from other swimmers and support craft.
The race continued while the recovery operation was underway. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office confirmed a death investigation is underway, as is standard protocol for a drowning in the county.
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According to reporting by Brazilian outlets O Globo and O Dia, Araujo was a journalism graduate who spent a decade in radio and television before transitioning to competitive athletics at age 28.
Her partner described her as a dedicated, strong, and kind athlete. She had amassed more than 60,000 followers on Instagram documenting her sporting pursuits.
A man also died at the same event in 2017, following the swim portion of the race. IRONMAN Texas comprises a 2.4-mile open-water swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run.
IRONMAN issued a statement expressing condolences to Araujo’s family and thanking first responders. The cause of death has not been officially determined.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes unit is continuing its investigation.
