A Brazilian bodybuilder whose incredibly shredded physique earned him millions of followers and made him a fitness influencer has died at just 22.
Gabriel Ganley, who was known online as ‘Bbzinho’, shot to viral attention by posting feats like a 500kg (1100lbs) leg press, alongside dramatic bulking updates that drew in huge numbers of fitness fans.
His death was confirmed on Saturday, May 23 by one of his sponsors, supplement company Integralmédica. In their tribute, they referred to him as their “eternal Bbzinho.” Ganley had amassed around two million Instagram followers through posts documenting his demanding day-to-day training.
The Rio de Janeiro native began lifting at 15, according to an interview with Brazilian sports outlet ge. He also said his mother limited him to three gym sessions per week, worried he might get hurt.
As the news circulated, other athletes and gym communities shared messages of sadness. Bodybuilder Ramon Dino said Ganley was “always happy, always playful, always making those around him laugh.”
Integralmédica wrote: “Today the pain speaks louder. With great sadness, we say goodbye to our eternal bbzinho, who lived intensely and with whom we had historic and unforgettable moments in our family.”
Another Brazilian bodybuilder, Gabriel Zancanelli, described him as a “unique personality,” adding: “May God comfort his family and friends. Rest in peace Bbzinho.”
In the wake of his death, some outlets have also pointed to claims about a recent pattern of anabolic steroid use. Early in his online rise, Ganley promoted “natural gains,” though reports allege that changed over time.
O Povo reported that Ganley discussed increasing steroid use to accelerate his results in 2025, and that he later stepped back from competitions, explaining that he had pneumonia.
Within medical research, the term ‘bodybuilder’s pneumonia’ is sometimes used because pneumonia has been observed more often among people using anabolic steroids to support muscle growth.
These substances can affect respiratory health in multiple ways. One concern is direct harm to lung tissue, where oxidative stress may contribute to inflammation and damage, including leakage in the tiny blood vessels involved in oxygen and carbon-dioxide exchange.
On top of that, the dehydration and intense workload that often accompany contest preparation can leave the body more vulnerable to respiratory infections, including pneumonia.
Ganley’s official cause of death has not been publicly confirmed. Even so, his passing has amplified ongoing arguments in bodybuilding about pursuing “natty” gains through training and diet alone versus enhanced performance supported by drugs.
On the R/Bodybuilding subreddit, one user responding to the news asked: ‘how can we prevent this?’
Another member argued: “By posting/promoting more natty competitions, warning anyone you know that’s actively on gear to be careful, and stopping the promotion of drug usage to minors and young adults.”