An intrepid triathlete who served as a great inspiration to thousands of her loving followers has died after drowning during the swimming endurance portion of the famous Ironman competition in Texas on Saturday.
Mara Flavia, who had more than 60,000 followers through Instagram, vanished during the open water swim in Lake Woodlands, which is the first of three grueling trials that competitors face during the 140-mile race.
{img}Frantic calls started to pour into the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and the Woodlands Township Fire Department as early as 6 am.
Woodlands Fire Chief Palmer Buck mentioned how they received reports about a lost swimmer at 7:30 am. The pro female swim began at 6:31 am as per the schedule.
{img}Rescuers sifted through the lake while the triathlon was still taking place. Rescuers sifted through the lake while the triathlon was still taking place. Buck mentioned how this contributed further to the challenging conditions and worsened the dive team's zero visibility.
Her body had sunk 10 feet down into the bottom of the lake, and she was pronounced dead on the shore. The Sheriff's office confirmed that the victim died by drowning during the swim portion of the event.