Cause of Death Revealed for Father, 31, Pulled from Water in Ironman Race

The cause of death for a father who died after competing in an Ironman Triathlon event has been revealed.

On July 13, Sam Buchan, 31, of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, was taking part in the Ironman 70.3 Swansea triathlon in Wales when he had to be pulled out of the water and given mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, according to the BBC.

At an inquest opening into Bucan’s death at Swansea Guildhall, the court was told the father of one had been struggling in the water for over half a mile amid the temperature reaching 28 degrees (82.4 degrees Fahrenheit), U.K. newspaper The Times and local media outlet WalesOnline reported.

After being put on a support boat, Buchan was taken to Morriston Hospital in Swansea.

He then died a few days later on July 16 after his family made the difficult decision to “end intervention,” per the BBC.

Buchan’s cause of death was ruled by a post-mortem examination as “exertional heat stroke,” which then resulted in a cardiac arrest, according to the outlet.

While Buchan had mild childhood asthma and hay fever, he had no other adverse medical history, The Times reported.

Swansea Guildhall was told that Buchan had travelled with his wife Samantha and their daughter Ella to the triathlon.

Participants had to swim for 1.2 miles before taking part in a 13.1 mile run and finishing off with a clifftop bike ride, according to the BBC.

Following Buchan’s death, Ironman Wales paid tribute in a post on Facebook.

“Approximately half-way into the swim portion of the race, swim safety personnel noticed and responded to an athlete in difficulty,” they wrote. “The athlete received immediate medical care while being taken via boat to a designated extraction point on the harbour, where further treatment was administered.”

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The organization added, “The athlete was then transported to the hospital where they continued to receive treatment, but sadly passed today.” 

“Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the athlete,” they continued. “We will continue to offer them our support and keep them in our thoughts as they go through this challenging time. We are deeply grateful to the swim safety personnel and first responders who worked quickly to provide the athlete with medical assistance.”

At the inquest openig, Buchan was described as a “soulmate and husband loved beyond words of Samantha, adored and very proud Dada Lion to Ella,” per WalesOnline.

He was also a “precious and dearly-loved son,” “much-loved brother” and “great friend to many.”

A full inquest will take place next year on March 18, per the BBC and The Times.

PEOPLE has contacted the Swansea assistant coroner for further comment