A fit young father tragically passed away after suffering heat stroke during a triathlon swim, leading to a cardiac arrest in the water, an inquest revealed.
Sam Buchan, a 31-year-old from Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, was rescued from the water during the Ironman event in Swansea amidst high temperatures exceeding 28C in mid-July. Witnesses noticed Sam struggling during the swimming leg of the triathlon before he was rescued onto a safety boat where resuscitation attempts were made.
Following initial treatment at the event’s medical tent, Sam was rushed to Moriston Hospital in Swansea, where he succumbed to his condition three days later. The post-mortem examination identified the cause of death as exertional heat stroke leading to cardiac arrest, as reported by the Daily Record. The official inquest has been adjourned until March 18 next year by Assistant Coroner Swansea Colin Phillips.
Described by his family as a beloved husband and father, Sam was also cherished as a son, brother, and friend. The challenging Ironman event comprised a 1.2-mile swim at the Prince of Wales Dock, followed by a 56-mile bike ride through picturesque routes in Swansea.
In a statement, Ironman Wales acknowledged the incident, expressing condolences to Sam’s family and friends while commending the swift response of the event’s safety personnel and first responders in providing immediate medical assistance during the tragic event.