MUNCIE, IN — A Missouri physician who became ill while participating in the Muncie IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon on July 12 died as a result of a heart attack.
Delaware County Coroner Gavin Greene announced on Tuesday, Aug. 12, that the cause of 43-year-old Eric Wolfe’s death was “myocardial infarction, due to ischemic heart disease.”
Wolfe was removed from Prairie Creek Reservoir while participating in the 1.2-mile swim that is part of the annual triathlon. Participants also bike 56 miles and run 13.1 miles.
A native of Kansas, Wolfe — married and the father of three children — was a family physician who had most recently practiced medicine in the Missouri communities of Hollister and Springfield.
“During the swim portion of Saturday’s race, water safety personnel recognized the athlete requiring medical attention,” a release from IRONMAN officials said.
He died at 7:15 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. An autopsy was conducted the following day.
His death had been reported as early as July 15, but he remained on life support until July 17 to allow for organ donation.
“Our thoughts are with Mr. Wolfe’s loved ones and the Ironman community,” Greene said on Tuesday. “We thank the race safety team, first responders, and medical staff for their efforts.”
Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Coroner: Physician suffered fatal heart attack during Muncie IRONMAN competition
Reporting by Douglas Walker, Muncie Star Press / Muncie Star Press
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