Tragedy Strikes Unusual Event

Tragedy at Sauna Competition: 1. Russia's Vladimir Ladyzhenskiy, left, and Finland's Timo Kaukonen compete in the finals of the World Sauna Championships in Heinola, Finland. The endurance challenge, in which the contestants sit in a 230-degree room until one gives up, ended in tragedy.

2. Both Ladyzhenskiy (above) and Kaukonen had to be removed from the sauna after about six minutes. The men were bleeding from what seemed to be severe burns.

3. Ladyzhenskiy later died at a hospital while Kaukonen was listed in serious condition. A crowd of about 1,000 people had come to watch the event, only to be left in shock at the horrible conclusion.

4. Video showed workers pouring cold water over the two men and administering first aid as organizers tried to cover up the scene and calm spectators.

5. 130 competitors from 15 countries competed at the event, including Silvia Pfuhl of Germany, who won the women's final. The annual contest has taken place every year since 1999, but organizers say it will never be held again.