AN ATHLETE from Bracknell has tragically passed away while taking on a gruelling triathlon.

Event organisers of Iron Man Staffordshire confirmed on Facebook that a competitor sadly died after becoming ill during the event on Sunday, June 12.

The competitor has been named locally as Andy Hey.

The post from IRONMAN England said: "We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of a race participant at IRONMAN 70.3 Staffordshire.

"During the swim portion of the race, safety personnel were alerted to an athlete requiring immediate medical attention.

"The athlete was attended to by the on-site medical team before being transported to a nearby hospital where the athlete sadly passed."

Following the devastating post, Wildridings Primary School has paid tribute to the much-loved school community member Andy 'Mouse' Hey.

The school confirmed site controller Mr Hey had passed away at the event on Sunday and the school closed its doors today (June 13) as the community process the tragic news.

In a tribute the school said: “Andy was not only a site controller, he was a friend and part of our family."

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL TRIBUTE

A number of people followed in paying an emotional tribute to Mr Hey online.

IRONMAN England's said it is supporting friends and family of the athlete. Adding: "We share our greatest sympathy with the family and friends of the athlete and will continue to offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time.

"We thank the safety personnel and medical staff who worked quickly to provide the athlete with medical support."