Multi-million-dollar lawsuit filed against City of Edmonton over triathlon death
Widow claims city didn't provide enough competent spotters or lifeguards
The City of Edmonton is being sued for more than $3 million over a death at the 2014 World Triathlon championships.
According to a statement of claim filed with the Court of Queen's Bench, 59-year-old Ramon Rivera was a dedicated and accomplished athlete when he came to Edmonton from Puerto Rico to compete in the triathlon.
But something happened during the event's swim portion at Hawrelak Lake.
Legal documents say a bystander noticed Rivera had stopped swimming and was floating motionless. The bystander notified a lifeguard, who removed Rivera from the water. But he later died in hospital.
The statement of claim suggests the cause of death was drowning. But news reports at the time indicated Rivera suffered a heart attack while swimming.
Now Rivera's widow and two daughters are suing the city for negligence, arguing there were not enough competent spotters or lifeguards. The suit also says there was no ambulance or medical personnel stationed at the event.
The family is seeking more than $3 million in damages. The International Triathlon Union is also named as a defendant.
The allegations have not been proven in court and a statement of defence has not yet been filed.