42-year-old Illinois Man drowns in Wisconsin triathlon

SHERWOOD (AP) -- Authorities in eastern Wisconsin are investigating the drowning death of an Illinois man during a triathlon.

The Calumet County Sheriff's Department says 42-year-old Doug Witmer of Lagrange, Ill., drowned in Lake Winnebago during the High Cliff Triathlon at High Cliff State Park in Sherwood.

It happened shortly before 8 a.m. Saturday, June 16th.

Authorities are investigating Witmer's death as a drowning incident.

The sheriff's office says the triathlon organizer, Midwest Sports Events of De Pere, had volunteer lifeguards on site.

Officials say nearly 1,200 triathletes took to Lake Winnebago Saturday for the swim portion of the triathlon.

Kaukauna doctor Alan Cherkasky is a seasoned triathlete and was in the water when emergency personnel realized something was wrong with Witmer.

"As I hit the beach, I saw emergency personnel and I saw an ambulance, and I saw a lot of action and a lot of rescue people doing their job and doing it efficiently and properly," Cherkasky said.

Cherkasky said Witmer's death is unfortunate, but said things like this do happen from time to time. Cherkasky said there's an inherent risk one taks when participating in these athletic events.

"Whether you go out and briskly walk to the grocery store, or you start jogging, or you do a triathlon, there are inherent risks," Cherkasky said.

Cherkasky said he doesn't know Witmer's medical history or the circumstances surrounding his death, but said it's important for people to check with a physician before starting any exercise regimen.

"Never do anything half-heartedly -- that means train properly. It also means getting clearance if you have a family history of bad diseases or if you have medical issues," Cherkasky said.

Witmer's death remains under investigation. An autopsy is expected to be completed by Tuesday at the latest.