SHOCKING: A WOMAN DIES IN HOSPITAL AFTER COMPETING IN A TRIATHLON RACE

Tributes have been paid to an Irish woman who died this weekend after competing in a triathlon in France.

The Setanta Triathlon Club shared a moving tribute to their club member, Sarah Fagan from Dundalk, who died on Saturday. “It is with profound sorrow and shock that we announce the passing of our friend and clubmate Sarah Fagan,” the club said in a statement shared via social media.

According to the statement, Sarah was competing in the Alp D'Huez triathlon on Friday when she got into difficulty during the swim. She was airlifted to the hospital. “She did not recover and passed away on Saturday, July 29, in Grenoble, France,” the Dundalk-based club stated.

Sarah was described as “an integral member” of the club who was always the first to volunteer her time and get involved in club activities and competitive events. “Sarah stood out among her peers as she was always smiling, enthusiastic, and willing to help others,” the club statement read.

“All her clubmates are devastated by Sarah's passing, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dlis.” The Cuchulain Cycling Club said their members were “beyond heartbroken” by the tragic loss. They also said she had been an active club member since 2010.

“Sarah lived life to the fullest. She was passionate, had such a positive attitude to life, and had such a huge circle of friends within the club,” it said in a statement shared on social media.

Sarah will leave us with a massive hole in our hearts."

The Alp D'Huez triathlon organizers also expressed their condolences in a statement posted on the competition website. “Our thoughts are with the family of the victim, who was a member of our community," triathlon director Cyrille Neveu stated. "It is very difficult to accept this tragedy.”

An investigation has now been launched to determine the exact cause of her death.

“A few minutes after the start at 2 p.m., the 48-year-old Irish triathlete reportedly collapsed during the swimming event," organizers said.

“Quickly rescued, the victim, who was in cardiorespiratory arrest, was taken care of by the emergency team, who were on site for the competition." They added that she was airlifted to Grenoble University Hospital in a serious condition but later died.