Tragedy mars first ever 'Ironman' sports event in the Philippines

A sad and unexpected tragedy detract the first-ever Ironman competition in the Philippines – the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 after 52-year old competitor, Miguel Vasquez died during the event's swim leg at the CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC).

Vasquez, the top swimmer of Team Alamat relay team while taking the second loop of the 1.2-mile swim leg at the CWC’s man-made lake.

GMANews.tv reports;

Vasquez did not show up after more than an hour. Vasquez was later found unconscious near the shore of the said lake, and was brought to a nearby hospital to be revived.

Despite being a strong swimmer Vasquez, who is the husband of GMA Network board member Judith Duavit Vasquez, died of a heart attack according to initial investigations. Vasquez a prominent businessman is also the president of Permanent Plans Inc was the team's captain and designated swimmer. Included in Vasquez's team were actor Patrick Garcia and lawyer Johann Espiritu.