Man dies while participating in Sierra Recon obstacle event at Lake Tahoe

UPDATE TUESDAY: A 39-year-old Sparks man died while participating in Saturday's Sierra Recon obstacle event at Sierra-at-Tahoe resort near Lake Tahoe, event officials confirmed.
Joseph Axtman may have collapsed as he was participating in the first-time multi-course obstacle event, El Dorado County authorities said.
"At approximately 11:35 a.m. on Saturday, July 14, 2012 a 39-year-old competitor in the Sierra Recon multi-distance obstacle race, organized by the Tahoe Tri-Club, collapsed while competing during the race. Medical staff responded immediately and attempted to recusitate the individual, but efforts were unsuccessful," according to a statement prepared by Tahoe Tri-Club.

"Tahoe Tri-Club management and staff extend their deepest condolances to the family and friends of the individual. The Tri-Club would like to acknowledge Calstar, Lake Valley Fire Department and Sierra Recon medical volunteers for their assistance and efforts," the statement concluded.

Axtman may have collapsed and possibly hit his head on a rock during the obstacle course, said Lisa Herrera-Hogan, a participant in the event. She said a woman ahead of her found the man and yelled out for a medic. A group of four people, including Herrera-Hogan's sister and father, tried to revive the man with CPR, who was going in and out of conscious. Paramedics from Lake Valley Fire Protection District responded.

Sierra-at-Tahoe spokesman Steven Hemphill said Tahoe Tri-Club organized the event and it was not sanctioned by the resort.