The death has occurred of Irish club cyclist and triathlete, Sarah Fagan, who has sadly passed away after getting into difficulty during the swim while competing in a triathlon in France. A member of Cuchulainn Cycling Club and Setenta Tri Club, she was competing in the Alpe d'Huez Triathlon when she got into difficulty.
The 48-year-old, from Mountpleasant, Dundalk, Co Louth, was found unresponsive in Lake Verney, Allemon, during the swim and later died at a nearby hospital in Grenoble, where she was airlifted.
While Ms Fagan was racing on Friday, and passed away on Saturday, news of her death only emerged publicly in Ireland today. The organisers of the Alpe d'Huez Triathlon confirmed she had died and said a post mortem would determine her cause of death.
"Our thoughts are with the family of the victim, who was a member of our community," said director of the event, Cyrille NeveuIt. "It is very difficult to accept this tragedy. Despite the safety protocols in place and the risks inherent in triathlon, we are obviously deeply shocked and devastated by this tragedy."
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Cuchulainn CC said its members were "beyond heartbroken on hearing of the passing of club member Sarah Fagan" who had been an active member of the club since 2010 and was involved in leisure and road racing.
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"Sarah lived life to the full, she was passionate, she had such a positive attitude to life, and had such a huge circle of friends within the club. Sarah will leave us with a massive hole in our hearts," the club said. "As evident in all pictures of her, she had such a glow and warmth to her, always smiling and was so encouraging with her kind words.
"She was always welcoming to new members in the club. Whilst everyone else was worried about their lack of fitness, or not sticking religiously to their training plan, Sarah wouldn't stress but would continue with her own training goal and plans and enjoy it."
The club extended its sympathies to her brother Austin, also a member of Cuchulainn CC, and all her family and friends adding: "Sarah, we miss you already, we will remember you by your warm smile and encouraging words and your attitude to life."
Setanta Triathlon Club also paid tribute to Ms Fagan, describing her was "an integral member" and somebody who was "always first to volunteer her time, get involved in club activities" and competitive events.
"Sarah stood out among her peers as she was always smiling, enthusiastic and willing to help others," the club added. "All her clubmates are devastated at Sarah's passing and our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis. Funeral arrangements to follow."
