SHERWOOD, WI (BRAIN)—Doug Witmer, Clif Bar’s national sales manager for Canada, died last weekend of an apparent heart attack while competing in Wisconsin’s High Cliff Triathlon.
Witmer, 42, started swimming off-course about 1,000 feet into the first leg of last Saturday’s triathlon, according to local media reports. He took a few strokes and disappeared under water. A lifeguard attempted chest compressions, but Witmer didn’t have a pulse. Witmer’s wife told the event’s organizer, Midwest Sports Events, that Witmer suffered a massive heart attack.
Clif Bar posted a photo of Witmer on its Instagram profile this morning along with the following statement:
“We are extremely saddened to have lost one of our own, as Clif Bar employee Doug Witmer passed away last weekend while competing in a triathlon. Doug was an amazing person, energetic and thoughtful, a lover of sports and the outdoors, and a great friend to many. Our love and thoughts go out to Doug's family and friends, and we'll always keep Doug's memory alive here at Clif.”
A message from Witmer’s wife was posted on the triathlon’s homepage expressing gratitude for everyone who worked to save Doug’s life. Witmer had worked at Clif Bar for about five-and-a-half years and was based in the Chicago area.
