Ironman Athlete Died Of Dehydration, Excessive Exercise

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — The Boulder County coroner's office has released its finding in the case of a 40-year-old man who died three days after competing in an Ironman triathlon.

Coroner Emma Hall said Thursday that Brian Godlove, of Fairfax, Virginia, died of complications of dehydration and rhabdomyolysis associated with excessive exercise. Rhabdomyolysis, which happens when muscle tissue rapidly breaks down and enters the bloodstream, can be brought about by extreme exercise.

Ironman Boulder results show Godlove completed the 2.4-mile swim and 112-mile cycling portions of the Aug. 2 race, but not the final 26.2-mile running leg.

A family statement released after the death said Godlove was a beloved husband, father and brother who lived and loved life to the fullest and reflected the very best of the human spirit.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)