CrossFit Athlete Nayeli Clemente Dies After Medical Emergency, RIP

[Kayce]

Athlete Nayeli Clemente Dies During 2025 Cholula Games Team Event​

The 2025 Cholula Games in Puebla, Mexico, ended in heartbreak after 32-year-old CrossFit athlete Nayeli Clemente collapsed during the “Team Pyramid Run” on May 2. The medical emergency—later confirmed as cardiorespiratory failure—occurred during the first event of the competition, leading to her untimely death despite immediate aid from a bystander doctor and subsequent hospital transport.


In this heartfelt video, we remember the life of 24-year-old athlete Nayeli Clemente, who tragically passed away after a distance-running challenge in extreme heat. Join us as we explore her inspiring journey, the events leading to her untimely death, and the important lessons we can learn about health and fitness. Nayeli was a passionate physical therapist and a dedicated athlete who pushed her limits in pursuit of greatness. Her story serves as a reminder to listen to our bodies and prioritize our health. Let's honor her legacy together.

Eyewitnesses and Team Reveal Alarming Medical Negligence​

According to an official statement from Clemente’s team, the medical response was severely delayed, disorganized, and under-equipped. Allegations include:

• Lack of properly connected oxygen equipment in the ambulance
• Insufficient number of paramedics and ambulances for the event size
• Failure to use critical tools like a stretcher correctly
• Restricted access to the pyramid run location, hampering emergency response
• Ongoing competition with no public acknowledgment of the tragedy for hours

Their report underscores a systemic failure in emergency preparedness at the event—placing accountability squarely on the event organizers.

CrossFit’s Licensing Clause and Event Oversight​

The Cholula Games were not directly hosted by CrossFit HQ but operated under a third-party licensee. Under official CrossFit policy:

“Licensee is responsible for all areas of the competition inclusive of health and safety…”

This clause makes the local organizers legally and ethically responsible for safeguarding athlete welfare—a standard that appears to have been grossly unmet.

Community Reaction: A Sport Reeling From Another Loss​

The CrossFit and fitness world is still recovering from the death of Lazar Đukić, who tragically drowned at the 2024 CrossFit Games. Clemente’s passing, barely a year later, reopens questions about the safety protocols in competitive fitness—especially during high-risk endurance events. Her brother confirmed her passing via social media, triggering a wave of grief and outrage.


Tragic Loss at Cholula Games: Fitness Enthusiast Nayeli Clemente Dies After Sudden Stroke in Extreme Heat. Watch our special report to learn more about the circumstances surrounding her passing and the importance of prioritizing health and safety during physical activity.

Safety in CrossFit Competitions: A Wake-Up Call​

This tragedy marks a turning point for fitness event standards. Key areas needing urgent reform include:

• Real-time emergency response readiness
• Mandatory medical equipment checks before event start
• Qualified personnel stationed at every course checkpoint
• Strict oversight on third-party event management by CrossFit HQ

The community must no longer tolerate underprepared events marketed under CrossFit’s name but failing to meet basic emergency protocols.

Who Was Nayeli Clemente?​

Nayeli Clemente was not just an athlete—she was a beloved figure in the Mexican CrossFit community. Passionate, competitive, and deeply committed, her life embodied the spirit of the sport. Her Instagram (@nayeliclem) shows a journey defined by dedication, growth, and camaraderie—making the loss all the more painful for friends, followers, and fellow competitors.

A Call for Structural Reform in Fitness Events​

Nayeli Clemente’s death is more than an isolated tragedy—it is a red flag for the global CrossFit and strength sport community. We must demand:

• Mandatory third-party audits for licensed events
• Immediate penalty and revocation clauses for organizers failing health safety minimums
• Unified athlete insurance coverage for licensed competitions
• Transparent public health protocol disclosures prior to all events

Only with these reforms can athletes and their families trust that the sport they love will not cost them their lives.

Sources:

• https://fitnessvolt.com/nayeli-clemente-passes-away-at-2025-cholula-games/
• https://www.instagram.com/nayeliclem/
• https://barbellspin.com/

May Nayeli Clemente rest in power. Her story will not be forgotten.

 

[Legit]

So sad! What a beauty. RIP.