I am very sorry to confirm that a competitor did have a massive heart attack yesterday. Despite every effort by our first aid crew and an amazing group of paramedics, he died later in hospital. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
I have known Gary for over 20 years and have always liked him. We sat and chatted at the weigh in for about 20 minutes, reflecting on the years past and how fast time had gone. He was rapt to be in the show and did not seem drawn, dry or at all unhealthy. I have seen competitors over the years that have had frightening condition and not looked healthy at all.
I am very proud of my crew who kept him alive and made every effort to save him. They were incredible.
Tragically people die in all sorts of sports and activities. Football, rugby, motor racing, yachting and on the Kakoda trail. I am absolutely shattered that he lost his life and will offer professional counseling to all involved.
When I made a comment to the press, I had not had official notice of his passing and was not confident that is family had been properly notified, I did not trust the reporter and did not like his approach or tone.
Thank you to everyone that has offered words of support to all involved it was a very sad day.
I am disappointed with the speculation and guessing going on here. So I will try to set you all straight.
Gary was alive when he left the hall. Ambulances do not transport dead people. The head paramedic assured me that they were holding out hope for him when they left. I truthfully expressed this to the crowd after we let them back in.
Should the show have gone on?
It was a difficult and well thought out decision that provided the best result and way forward for everyone that attended and competed. He was alive at the hospital when we re-started the contest.
Believe me, it was very difficult to perform for the rest of the day.
Again we express our sincere sympathy to his family and friends, it was a very sad result.
People die in all walks of life, Gary had a massive heart attack and did not recover. The same thing has happened in numerous marathons, football matches and at public events everywhere. If someone collapses in a marathon, they don't stop the race.