Tributes following tragic death of Louth triathlete
Sarah Fagan died while competing in the Alpe d'Huez Triathlon
Tributes have been paid to a local triathlete who died tragically while competing in the Alpe d'Huez Triathlon in southeastern France at the weekend.
48-year-old triathlete, Sarah Fagan, who lived in Old Muirhevna in Dundalk and was originally from Mountpleasant in north Louth, reportedly collapsed during the swimming event on Friday, a few minutes after the start and was in cardiorespiratory arrest, according to a statement released by the directors of the Alpe d'Huez Triathlon.
It said that “after being reanimated”, the victim was “airlifted to Grenoble University Hospital in a serious condition. Sadly, the victim passed away on Saturday, surrounded by her family.”
There was an outpouring of grief as tributes poured in for Sarah who “lived life to the full” and had “such a glow and warmth”.
Sarah was an active member of Cuchulainn Cycling Club.
Paying tribute to her on Facebook on Sunday, it said that “Sarah lived life to the full, she was passionate, she had such a positive attitude to life, and had such a huge circle of friends within the club. “Sarah will leave us with a massive hole in our hearts.
“As evident in all pictures of her, she had such a glow and warmth to her, always smiling and was so encouraging with her kind words. She was always welcoming to new members in the club.
“Whilst everyone else was worried about their lack of fitness or not sticking religiously to their training plan, Sarah wouldn't stress but would continue with her own training goal and plans and enjoy it.
“Sincere Condolences to to her club member brother Austin, Sarah's family and all her friends. Sarah, we miss you already, we will remember you by your warm smile and encouraging words and your attitude to life.”
Dundalk based Setanta Triathlon Club, of which Sarah was a member, paid tribute to her, saying that she “was an integral member of Setanta Triathlon Club and was always first to volunteer her time, get involved in club activities and competitive events.
"Sarah stood out among her peers as she was always smiling, enthusiastic and willing to help others.
"All her club mates are devastated at Sarah's passing and our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.”
The organisers of Women's Lap of Louth, a cycling event to encourage women's cycling in Louth and of which Sarah was a committee member, said that:
“Sarah was a kind, generous, and trustworthy person who loved life and competing to the best of her ability. No matter what, Sarah led with a smile on her face with a kind word for everybody.”
Felda Health Fitness and Spa, where Sarah was a member, posted on its Facebook page: “Sarah has been a member with us for many years and was such a beautiful person.
“She always had a big smile to greet everyone. Our deepest condolences go to her family, friends and club mates at this sad time. Sarah will be hugely missed. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.”
Sarah was also a pharmacist and worked in local pharmacies in the past, including Leavy's and McCabe's in Carroll Village.
Byrne's Chemist in Dundalk paid tribute to Sarah on Facebook saying:
“We were terribly saddened today to hear of the untimely passing of Pharmacist Sarah Fagan. Deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. May she rest in peace.”
The Alpe d’Huez Triathlon was first held in 2006. Triathlon M, in which Sarah was taking part, consists of a 1.2km swim, a 28km cycle and a 6.7km run.
The organisers of the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon say that an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of her death.
Cyrille Neveu, Alpe d’Huez Triathlon Director said, “Our thoughts are with the family of the victim, who was a member of our community. It is very difficult to accept this tragedy.
“Despite the safety protocols in place and the risks inherent in triathlon, we are obviously deeply shocked and devastated by this tragedy.”