Man dies following Newport Beach triathlon

A Brea man died after a firefighter rescued him from the water during Sunday’s triathlon in Newport Beach, authorities said.

Roger Stewart, 51, died at Hoag Hospital at 8:38 a.m. after a Newport Beach lifeguard on a paddleboard spotted him showing distress signs in the water during the Kring & Chung Triathlon, according to Newport Beach Fire Department Capt. Todd Knipp and the Orange County coroner’s office.

Stewart was among others swimming in the race about 8 a.m. in the cove area of Newport Dunes, but “in a matter of moments this gentleman was facedown in the water,” Knipp said.

The lifeguard moved him out of the water as soon as possible, and firefighters on scene began lifesaving measures on the shore, Knipp said.

Firefighters took him to Hoag Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

— Lauren Williams

Twitter: @lawilliams30