Athlete Dies During Swimming Portion of Ironman Competition in Utah

Several swimmers lined up for the Ironman competition

A participant in an Ironman competition in Utah over the weekend died during the race.

The identity of the athlete, who was competing in the half-Ironman triathlon at St. George, has not been released.

The athlete showed signs of distress during the swim portion of the race, according to Ironman officials.

"We are incredibly saddened to confirm the death of a race participant at the IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship St. George," Ironman statement obtained by PEOPLE. "The athlete received immediate medical attention upon swim safety personnel recognizing the distressed athlete during the swim portion of Saturday's race."

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The swim portion of the competition included a 1.2-mile loop swim at Sand Hollow State Park in Hurricane, Utah, according to the course's description.

At the start of the race, the water was 62 degrees Fahrenheit, according to a post on the Ironman Facebook page.

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It was not clear how the athlete died.

The swim portion was followed by a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run.

Nils Nilsen/Getty Images An athlete prep's her swim cap before the start of the IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship

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"We share our greatest sympathies with the family and friends of the athlete and will continue to offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time," Ironman's statement said. "The well-being of our competitors is paramount, and we thank the swim safety personnel and first responders who worked quickly to provide the athlete with medical support."