FARGO, N.D. (KVRR KFGO) — A Fargo native has died in Finland while competing in a half-Ironman triathlon.
She has been identified as 66-year-old Cheryl Lucero. Her family believes she died of a cardiac arrest but the cause of her death has not yet been confirmed.
Officials at the World Triathlon Corporation say Lucero was extracted from the water halfway into the swimming portion early in the race. First responders and doctors tried to resuscitate her, but she died on scene.
Lucero’s son Jaden Minar says his mother started competing in marathons and triathlons when she was 51-years-old and was often the only one competing in her age group.
“She was just as proud of herself, and we want anyone to know that this meant a lot to her. She died doing what she loved – as cliché as that is,” says Minar.
Lucero moved to Texas from Fargo more than a decade ago, and competed in races around the globe.
Lucero turned her focus to competing in marathons and triathlons when she was 51 years old, proving it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
“About twelve years ago when she started doing Zumba, that’s when she went from just an average everyday person to trying to step it up to the next level and next level. She was always proud of the first places and stuff, too. Sometimes, I’d give her a hard time. She was the only one in her age group that was there. So, of course you got first. You’re the only one that finished. But I still was proud of her. I was really happy,” Minar said.
Minar says the family has been appreciative of all the support from friends and strangers.
