Bodybuilder dies aged 30 after collapsing during competition as horrified spectators look on
A BRAZILIAN bodybuilder has died in front of a horrified audience after collapsing mid-competition.
Wanderson Da Silva Moreira, 30, fell ill at an event in Campo Grande on Saturday.
Reports from Brazil suggest Wanderson, from the city of Rondonopolis, suffered a cardiac arrest.
He had been competing in the Pantanal Contest, a gateway to Mr Olympia Brazil and the Arnold Classic South America.
Eyewitnesses said Wanderson appeared unsteady on his feet before collapsing on stage in front of judges and a live audience.
He was treated for over an hour by medical staff, but was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
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Wanderson's devastated coach wrote on social media: "I have no words to describe the depth of sadness and shock I still feel.
"He was not an athlete, he was a great friend, a family man, a man with a huge heart who was always willing to help those who needed him.
"We can only mourn his loss and ask God to comfort especially his family and all of us.
"You are and always will be part of our team and family."
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The event was being held in the Jose Abrao Gymnasium and was part of a national bodybuilding federation programme.
According to a friend who accompanied him, Wanderson had complained of feeling unwell earlier in the day, per Newsflash.
But he had insisted on competing at the event held at the Jose Abrao Gymnasium.
The friend also confirmed the athlete had a history of high blood pressure.
Wanderson is survived by his wife and two children.
A spokesperson for the competition organisers expressed condolences but declined to comment.