Sunshine Coast Triathlon under investigation after man died

A man dragged unconscious from the water during the Sunshine Coast Triathlon died as his wife, children and friends watched on.

Paramedics frantically tried to revive Victorian man Peter Farlecas, 39, for half an hour before pronouncing him dead at the scene.

It is believed he suffered a heart attack during the 1.9km swim.

His teammates, unaware, continued on and finished the race.

Ironman Asia Pacific CEO Geoff Meyer said it was a “very sad day”.

“It’s been a big shock to all and something that’s really hard to deal with,” he said.

Just last year, the group in charge of Ironman events was forced to carry out an international review after several competitors died in the swimming stage.

Ironman Asia Pacific is investigating to make sure the new protocol was correctly carried out at this triathlon.