Paddleboarders acting as water safety personnel on the Willamette River during the swim recognized the man was in distress in the water, said Brian Carrara, Salem Fire Department deputy chief for administrative services.
Paddleboarders took the man to medics on shore and a fire engine was diverted to help.
The call came in shortly after the race start at 6:15 a.m. Race participants swim 1.2 miles down the Willamette River, starting at Minto-Brown Island Park and coming out at Riverfront Park before beginning a 56-mile bike ride.
Carrara declined to say the nature of the medical emergency, citing medical privacy laws. He said a CPR device was used on the man and he was taken to the hospital. He did not know the man’s age.
Ironman 70.3 Oregon announced the death in a statement on Facebook Wednesday evening. In response to questions from Salem Reporter, the organization declined to identify the athlete, his age or where he lived, or provide more details about what happened.