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An Ironman competition in Texas ended in disaster after one athlete died during a recent event, organizers revealed.
David Mattingly, 68, was competing in the Ironman 70.3 triathlon in Waco before encountering a medical issue during the swimming portion of the race.
A statement released by the triathlon's official Facebook account confirmed the news and offered the athlete's family their 'deepest sympathies' over the tragedy.
The post read: 'We are saddened to confirm the death of a race participant during the IRONMAN 70.3 Waco triathlon.
'During the swim portion of today's event, water safety personnel identified the athlete who required medical attention.
'The athlete was attended to quickly and provided immediate medical care by water safety personnel before being transported to the hospital where they sadly passed.
An Ironman competition in Texas ended in disaster after one athlete died during a recent event
David Mattingly, 68, was competing in the Ironman 70.3 triathlon in Waco before encountering a medical issue during the swimming portion of the race
Race organizers later released a statement confirming the tragic news
'We send our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the athlete and will continue to offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time.
'Our gratitude goes out to the water safety personnel and first responders who worked quickly to assist the athlete'.
Meanwhile, Herrin Drug, the pharmacy which Mattingly had worked for, also released a heartfelt statement regarding his tragic death.
Taking to their Facebook account, the statement read: 'Dear Valued Customers / Clients / Partners / Friends,
'It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beloved owner, David Mattingly , who departed this life on Oct 5th 2025.
'David was more than just the heart and soul of Herrin Drug — he was a visionary leader, a tireless worker, and above all, a compassionate human being whose values shaped the way we do business. His dedication to excellence and unwavering commitment to our clients and community built the foundation upon which this company stands today.
'As we process this tremendous loss, we humbly ask for your patience and understanding during this time of transition. While we remain deeply committed to upholding the standards and service you’ve come to expect from us, we kindly request your grace as we navigate the path forward.
'We are doing our utmost to ensure continuity in our operations, and our team is united in honoring David’s legacy by continuing the work he so passionately believed in.
This is not the first instance in which an athlete has fallen ill during a triathlon event
The pharmacy which Mattingly worked at shared a heartfelt tribute for the 68-year-old
Those who knew Mattingly quickly offered their condolences in response to the Facebook post
'Thank you for your continued support, trust, and kindness. Your loyalty means more to us now than ever, and we are sincerely grateful to walk this journey with such a compassionate and understanding community. With heartfelt gratitude, Brittany'
It didn't take long for tributes to quickly flood in for Mattingly. Responding to the pharmacy's Facebook post, one user wrote: 'What a tragic loss for our community.
'David was not just our pharmacist, but we considered him a dear friend. One of the nicest men you’d ever meet. Absolutely heartbroken over this sad news.'
Another wrote: 'David was a kind soul. Nonjudgmental understanding and always there for us all he is missed already... Fly high my friend. See you soon'
'I am devastated to hear this...I don't know what to even say...Just to know, I will be praying for his wife and 2 children. And also his pharmacy family...,' one said.
Meanwhile, Texas outlet KCENTV spoke to a friend of Mattingly, who shed light on the man who all his friends 'admired'.
Speaking to the outlet, Nick Sortal said: 'He was the fastest and he was like the one that everybody kind of worshiped—that's a little strong, but he's the one we all admired.
'He always liked adventure and different things,' Sortal said. 'After stuff I would always be ready to rush off and he was just like, 'oh let's sit here, have some chips and have a talk.'
Back in July, an athlete tragically died days after getting 'into difficulty' during an Ironman race
A superfit 31-year-old father tragically died after getting heat stroke during a gruelling Ironman event, an inquest has heard. Sam Buchan (pictured), of Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, had travelled almost 600 miles to attend the popular Ironman event in Swansea
In a similar tragedy back in July, an athlete died days after getting 'into difficulty' during the swimming section of an Ironman race.
Sam Buchan, of Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, had travelled almost 600 miles to attend the popular three-part race held in Swansea.
The 70.3 triathlon event was held on July 13, with temperatures reaching scorching highs of above 28C during a blistering summer heatwave.
However, disaster struck when the father-of-one was spotted struggling in the water while competing in the swimming section of the triathlon.
Spectators watched on in horror as he was pulled aboard the support boat where he was given mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
The athlete was then treated in a medical tent before being transferred to Moriston Hospital in Swansea. However, he sadly died three days later.
A post-mortem examination gave his cause of death as 'exertional heat stroke' which caused cardiac arrest.
In a heartbreaking social media tribute, Mr Burgh was described as a 'soulmate and husband loved beyond words of Samantha, adored and very proud Dada Lion to Ella.'
