OSWEGATCHIE -- A 79-year-old Norwood man collapsed and died during the Hoswegatchie Duathlon competition Wednesday, in spite of efforts to save him.

Donald F. Lepage, commonly known as Pete, was competing in the cycling phase of the race and was discovered lying unresponsive on the side of State Rt. 37 at about 6:30 p.m., during the race.

Well known in the community, he had been served as Norwood's recreation director.

An off-duty trooper who was participating in the duathlon administered CPR on Lepage at the time, according to State Police Troop B spokeswoman Trooper Jennifer Fleishman.

Troopers who were assigned to the detail and on the scene attached an AED to Lepage. Three shocks were administered.

Ogdensburg Rescue arrived on scene and transported Lepage to Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead by Dr. Veronica Ruiz.

St. Lawrence County Coroner Kevin Crosby said the cause of death had not been determined, but it appeared to be a heart attack. He said no autopsy will be conducted.

"He was not complaining of anything beforehand," Crosby said. "He appeared to be all right prior to the race, according to his wife," he said.

Buck Funeral Home of Norwood is handling arrangements for the family.