Seattle man dies after Coeur d’Alene Ironman swim

A Seattle man died Tuesday following complications he suffered during the swimming portion of the Ironman triathlon in Coeur d’Alene this weekend, officials confirmed today. Sean Murphy, 44, was spotted by Ironman personnel struggling in Lake Coeur d’Alene about 20 minutes into the race Sunday and pulled him out of the water. They tried to resuscitate him at the medical tent, then transferred him to Kootenai Medical Center, according to a statement from the Kootenai County Coroner’s Office. Murphy was maintained on life support until he died at 1:07 p.m. Tuesday, the statement said. An autopsy to determine the cause of death will be performed at the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office. Ironman officials released this statement following the announcement: “We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of an athlete following IRONMAN Coeur d’Alene. The athlete required medical attention during the swim portion of Sunday’s race and was transported to Kootenai Medical Center where he was treated until Tuesday. The cause of death is unknown at this time. On behalf of all of us in the triathlon community, we mourn his death and send our condolences to his loved ones.” More than 2,000 people entered the lake at the start of the competition. Ironman lifeguards kept an eye on the area from kayaks and paddle boards.