(MCT) — Officials are investigating the death of a La Grange man who died Saturday morning in a drowning incident during a triathlon competition on Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin.
The Calumet County Sheriff's Department said the 42-year-old man was participating in the High Cliff Triathlon Saturday at the High Cliff State Park in Sherwood, Wis., according to a news release. He was identified as Doug Witmer of La Grange.
The triathlon was sponsored by the Midwest Sports Events of De Pere, Wis., the release said.
There were no additional details available about Witmer's death, but officials said it was a drowning incident, according to the release.
Family friend Kasey Madden said those close to Witmer are ‘shocked’ and ‘jolted’ by his death, as he was an active person who enjoyed competitive cycling.
Witmer and his wife Kathy have two children – a 10-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son. He was the coach of his son’s little league baseball team and involved in his daughter’s Indian Princesses group, Madden said.
Madden described Witmer as intelligent with a quick wit – and always a hit at get-togethers.
“Doug was so vibrant. He had an enormous network of friends,” Madden said.
When he wasn’t working or spending time with his family, Madden said Witmer attended concerts in Chicago, such as Lollapalooza and Pitchfork. Witmer was employed by Clif Bar, a brand that produces energy bars.
Witmer’s zest for life and love of his family was apparent to those around him, Madden said.
“He had a real love of life – that’s what makes this all the more shocking,” she said. “I can’t believe someone that was so alive can be so gone.”
Services are not yet planned for Witmer, but Madden said there will be an education fund set up for the children.
As of Sunday afternoon, the death was still under investigation.