A Brazilian bodybuilder has tragically passed away shortly after participating in a competition, leaving his loved ones devastated.
Antônio Souza, a 26-year-old bodybuilder, commenced competing in events five years ago but had been training since he was 15. He initially embarked on this journey to better support his mother and sister.
On 3 August, just before competing at the Navega Open in Santa Catarina, Souza informed his wife, Yone Silva, that he was experiencing a “strong pain feeling in his chest.”
Despite the discomfort, he finished in the top three in his category and won a trophy. However, while on stage, he reportedly suffered cardiac arrest.
Although doctors attempted to resuscitate him at the event, their efforts were in vain.
Following his death, his wife expressed her sorrow and love for her late husband.
“Rest in peace my eternal love, life may be over but my love will be forever, your departure left a void, but your memory will remain Mourning,” she said in a translated message.
In an interview with a local Brazilian news outlet, Silva revealed that her husband had taken diuretics before the competition—a drug that helps the body eliminate extra fluid and water, potentially contributing to his dehydration.
She stated: “He was very dehydrated. Very dry, unfortunately.”
Discussing his commitment to bodybuilding, she added: “This is an addictive and at the same time competitive sport. Antônio was very focused on this sport.”
The Navega Open issued a statement regarding Souza’s passing at the event, expressing their condolences: “Our condolences to (the) family and friends for this inestimable loss.”
Souza’s sister, Mary Braz, also commended his dedication to the sport.
She remarked: “His dream was to be recognized for doing what he loved and to be able to give our mother a better life. He was always very focused, he never waited for anyone for anything.”
“He always knew his goal and he literally gave his life for this sport, he competed until his last breath.”
Many of Souza’s friends and family have changed their profile pictures on social media to honor the bodybuilder, replacing their previous images with a photo of him flexing at the gym, accompanied by his birth and death dates.