TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A 65-year-old male surnamed Liu (劉) died participating in the Force 2024 Hualien Triathlon at Liyu Pond on Sunday (Sept. 22).

Liu signed up for the 28.25 km triathlon competition that began with a 750-meter swim. The swim started at 9:30 a.m. with a cutoff time of 10:15 a.m. Race organizers realized Liu had failed to finish the swim according to the race’s chip detection system.

Rescue personnel on boats searched for Liu's whereabouts. His unconscious body was eventually pulled from the pond approximately 20 meters away from Tanbei Pier at 10:30 a.m., per UDN.

Liu did not have a heartbeat when he was discovered. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police are investigating Liu's death. Triathlon organizers said they are in contact with Liu’s family in Dali, Taichung.

In its fourth year, the Force 2024 Hualien Triathlon featured a full triathlon (113 km), a half-triathlon (56.5 km), relay competitions, triathlon distances of 28.5 km, and a children's triathlon. The cutoff time limit for the full triathlon was six hours, and the cutoff for the half-triathlon was three hours.

The event was managed by Fun3Sport and overseen by Hualien County Government and East Rift Valley National Scenic Area Tourism Department.