Hudson River Swimmer Dies During Ironman Race

An athlete competing in the Ironman U.S. Championship in the river between New York City and New Jersey has died after having a medical problem during the swimming portion of the grueling triathlon.

A publicist for the race organizers says the competitor "experienced distress" during a 2.4-mile swim in the Hudson River at the start of the all-day competition.

The swimmer was taken to a hospital, but did not survive. The organizers say the cause of death is unknown. An autopsy is planned.

New York City police say the contestant was a 43-year-old man.

Contestants in the race were following their swim in the Hudson with a 112-mile bicycle ride through the suburbs, and then a 26.2-mile marathon that was to end at Manhattan's Riverside Park.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)