Ironman Athlete's 'Heartbreaking' Final Post Before She Was Found Dead at 38

Mara Flavia Araujo, the female athlete from Brazil who was found dead at 38 years old during an Ironman competition, had a "heartbreaking" final post before her death.

The Brazilian athlete and influencer was competing in an Ironman competition - which consists of a 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25 km) bike ride, and a 26.2-mile (42.2 km) marathon run - was found dead after disappearing beneath the murky waters of Lake Woodlands, just outside Houston. Her body was discovered near the surface of the water by authorities.

According to a close friend, she was not feeling well before the competition.

"She was ill before the trip, she wasn't okay," Luis Taveira said.

He continued: "My wife and I spoke with her to say she was too weak for this race, although a couple of days ago when we talked to her, she insisted she was okay. I still cannot believe what's happened."

The Brazilian influencer posted one heartbreaking final message prior to her death: "Another day of work." 

The 38-year-old athlete was excited and seemingly ready for her competition, before it ultimately ended in tragedy.

She had taken up triathlons in recent years, competing in her first one eight years ago. She placed third at the Brasilia Triathlon. Competing in triathlons helped her restart her life.

"I saw a way to be reborn, God and sport," she said.

Tributes for the athlete are pouring in

Fans and supporters of the female athlete are devastated.

"It was a pleasure to get to [know] you over social media, even if was from afar. Rest in peace," one fan wrote.

Another added: "May God receive you with the same care and tenderness that you've always given others. Rest in peace, beautiful."

Our thoughts are with her friends and family members during this difficult time.

May she rest in peace.

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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 11:21 AM.