Florida Jury Finds Race Organizers Not Liable in Triathlete’s Death

A jury has determined that the organizers of the 2006 Florida Ironman were not responsible for the death of a 35-year-old Montana man who collapsed during the race.

Barney Rice died three days after collapsing during the 1.2 mile swim portion of the triathlon at Panama City Beach.

His family sued North American Sports Inc. and USA Triathlon for wrongful death, saying organizers didn’t follow their own safety protocols. They sought $5.5 million in compensation.

The eight-person jury in Panama City deliberated for 90 minutes before finding no negligence on the part of the organizers that was legally responsible for Rice’s death.

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Information from: The News Herald, http://www.newsherald.com