Canaccord Genuity Group has announced that president and CEO Paul Reynolds passed away following a medical emergency sustained during a U.S. triathlon, reports The Canadian Press.

Reynolds was 52.

The British Columbia native had been in Kona, Hawaii to participate in a rigorous endurance competition that entailed a 1,500-meter swim, 40-kilometer bike ride and 10-kilmeter run.

Reynolds suffered an urgent health problem during the aquatic portion, and although he was immediately removed from the water, “it was too late” for medical practitioners to save him.

 “At the time of his passing, he was at peace and surrounded by family and close friends,” read an internal note circulated at Canaccord.

A wife and four children, two of whom are under the age of 5, survive him, according to Financial Post.

The outlet makes note of Reynolds’ unconventional path, having skipped university to work as a retail broker and then serving as president of Canaccord’s European operations in London for almost a decade before being named company CEO.

Canaccord chairman David Kassie will temporarily succeed Reynolds until a permanent replacement is appointed.

“This is a difficult day for everyone at Canaccord Genuity,” Kassie said in a statement. "As the architect of our firm's global transformation, Paul's distinct style of partnership, friendship and respect over three decades of commitment is just part of the legacy he leaves us all."