A competitor in the Ironman U.S. Championship in New York and New Jersey died Saturday after being pulled from the Hudson River Saturday morning after experiencing signs of distress.

“We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of an athlete at today’s Aquadraat Sports Ironman U.S. Championship,” said Emily Vicker, a spokeswoman for the event in a statement. “The athlete experienced distress during the swim portion of the race, received immediate on-site medical attention and was transported to a nearby hospital."

Members of the FDNY water rescue retrieved the athlete from the water, where he was transported to Ross Dock, placed on a backboard at the finish line of the 2.4 mile swim and taken to Englewood Hospital Medical Center.

The cause of death is unknown and an autopsy is planned. 

"On behalf of all of us in the triathlon community, we mourn his death and send our condolences to his family and loved ones," Vicker added in the statement. 

Roughly 2,500 men and women competed in the race, which includes a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile marathon.

Follow Patch on Facebook and Twitter or subscribe to our free daily newsletter