'You never would think something like this would happen' | Friend remembers triathlete who died at IRONMAN 70.3 Waco

WACO, Texas — A triathlete has died following a medical emergency during last weekend's Ironman 70.3 Waco . The incident occurred during the swimming portion of the race, according to Ironman officials.

David "Dave" Mattingly, was a 68-year-old pharmacist from Herrin, Illinois. He received immediate medical attention in the water before being transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died, IRONMAN said in a statement. The organization extended its deepest sympathies to Mattingly's family and friends.

Nick Sortal, a longtime friend of Mattingly's since high school, remembered him as more than just an athlete—he was a hero to his friends.

"There's a group of us all in high school that have ended up enjoying triathlon," Sortal said. The tight-knit group from Herrin, Illinois, had