69-year-old dies during swim portion of New York triathlon

SHIRLEY, N.Y. – A 69-year-old athlete competing in a New York triathlon on Sunday died during the swimming portion of the event.

Authorities said Vincent Fleck, of Mount Kisco, died after a lifeguard noticed him in distress.

Suffolk County police said a lifeguard brought him in a canoe to a rescue boat, where he received first aid. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital.

The emergency occurred during the 500-meter swim portion of the Smith Point Spring Triathlon in Narrow Bay.

Police said it was unknown if Fleck drowned or if he suffered a medical event. The Suffolk County Medical Examiner was set to do an autopsy to determine the cause of death.