Ironman competitor who died during swim portion ID'd as Andy Naylor

The swimmer who died Saturday during the Ironman U.S. Championship in New York has been identified as Andy Naylor, a Hong Kong police superintendent.

The 43-year-old triathlete left behind a wife and three daughters, the South China Moing Post reports.

'It gives me some comfort that Andy died doing something he loved but we will miss him sorely,' Naylor's wife Lynn said.

The family will hold a funeral for Naylor, who was originally from Wales, in Britain, and a memorial service in Hong Kong, according to the newspaper.

Naylor, who was on leave from the police force to compete in the race, died during the 2.4-mile swim in the Hudson River after 'experiencing distress,' organizers said.

He was pulled from the waters but did not survive. Autopsy results are pending.

Naylor's death came just days after he and friend Paul Dingley set a course record at the TEVA Kayak n Run competition at Sai Kung, Hong Kong.

'The news was shocking as Andy was one of the best Hong Kong athletes,' Dingley told the South China Moing Post. 'Andy was extremely active and sporty, and he loved to help people. He was a loving father and was very committed to his work. He made Hong Kong his second home.'