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Bicyclist Injured, Swimmer Dies in Boulder Triathlon

August 19, 2005

One man died and another was in critical condition after separate incidents at the Boulder Peak Triathlon. Boulder triathlon participant Gary Henry, 37, was airlifted to St. Anthony Central Hospital in Denver after he collided with a car during the biking portion of the race. Colorado State Trooper Eric Wynn said Henry was heading north on Old Stage Road when his bike drifted into oncoming traffic. He was hit and dragged several feet, and was still in critical condition.

Howard Garcia, 76, was discovered floating limp in Boulder Reservoir by other race participants during the swimming portion of the event. Rick Marlowe, regional park manager at Boulder Reservoir, said he and others pulled Garcia from the water and brought him to shore. Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. Boulder County Coroner Tom Faure said it is unclear whether Garcia drowned or died from another cause. An initial autopsy did not show significant injuries, he said.

About 1,600 people compete in the Boulder Peak Triathlon annually, according to its website. Triathlon director Barry Siff expressed sadness for the families and said safety is always a priority at the race. Marlowe, the park manager, said the accidents were tragic but uncharacteristic. "I've worked every triathlon we've had out there," he said. "With every event promoter, safety of the participants is always No. 1."