The family of Dax William Bakken, a 51-year-old Madison, Wisconsin, man and IRONMAN athlete, mourned his unexpected death after he experienced a medical emergency while competing in the 2023 IRONMAN Wisconsin triathlon.
Bakken died on September 10, 2023, after requiring medical attention during the cycling portion of the race in the Madison area. The Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office later officially identified him as the athlete who died.
What Happened to Dax Bakken?
Bakken had completed the swimming portion of IRONMAN Wisconsin and was well into the bike portion when he experienced a medical event.
An IRONMAN staff member and an off-duty law-enforcement officer noticed that Bakken needed assistance and provided immediate medical attention until emergency medical personnel arrived.
He was transported to a local hospital, where he later died. The Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed his identity and said a preliminary autopsy had been conducted while the results were pending at the time of the initial reporting.
A Dream to Complete IRONMAN
Bakken had trained extensively for the competition. His family described the race as a major personal goal and recalled his enthusiasm throughout his training.
A fundraising campaign created for his family said Bakken had completed the swim and was well into the cycling portion when the tragedy occurred.
Family Remembers Dax Bakken
Bakken’s partner, Kristin Keir, and their family remembered him as a loving and devoted person.
He was survived by Kristin, their young daughter Maeve and his two sons, Finn and Liam, according to reports following his death.
Bakken had also served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of Desert Storm. He later built a career in technology. His employer, Whitsell Innovations, announced his death in September 2023 and described him as an important member of its technology team.
Cause of Death
Initial reporting described Bakken’s condition as a medical event during the bike portion of the race. The Dane County Medical Examiner conducted a preliminary autopsy, but the initial reports did not provide a definitive medical cause.
Therefore, a specific medical cause should not be stated unless supported by the final medical examiner findings.
Memorial and Funeral Arrangements
Legacy reports that visitation and memorial services were scheduled for September 19, 2023, in Madison, Wisconsin, following Bakken’s death.
Dax Bakken’s death remains a remembered tragedy within his family and among people connected with the IRONMAN Wisconsin community.