Brazilian bodybuilder dies from stunning medical emergency

A bodybuilder suffered a heart attack and died after participating in a competition in Brazil.

Antônio Souza, 26, told his wife, Yone Silva, that he felt a ‘strong pain in his chest’ prior to competing Saturday at the Navega Open in Santa Catarina.

Souza, who had been participating in bodybuilding events for about five years, took home a trophy for his top three finish in his category before he went into cardiac arrest.

Silva told Brazilian news outlet G1 that Souza took diuretics, a drug that assists the body in getting rid of extra fluid and water – something that may have made him dehydrated.

Brazilian bodybuilder Antônio Souza went into cardiac arrest and died after competing at the Navega Open in the southern Brazil state of Santa Catarina on Saturday. Prior to the competition, the 26-year-old complained to his wife of sharp pains in the chest

Brazilian bodybuilder Antônio Souza with his mother during his birthday party last October

‘He was very dehydrated. Very dry, unfortunately,’ Silva said. 

‘This is an addictive and at the same time competitive sport. Antônio was very focused on this sport,’ she added.

Souza was optimistic about his chances of ahead of the competition and posting a video on his Instagram account.

‘Let’s go to the weigh-in. God willing, everything will be fine,’ he said with a smile. ‘It’s a straight, “we are,” right?!’ You can already tell by the look on your face.’

The Navega Open released a statement lamenting Souza’s sudden passing.

Before taking the stage at the Novega Open bodybuilding competition Saturday, Antônio Souza took diuretics, a drug that assists the body in getting rid of extra fluid and water, his wife revealed

Antônio Souza started training at the age of 15 and had been participating in bodybuilding contests five years ago

‘Our condolences to (the) family and friends for this inestimable loss,’ the event organizer said.

Souza started training at the age of 15 and saw the sport as a way to provide a better life for his mother, his sister, Mary Braz, told the outlet.

‘His dream was to be recognized for doing what he loved and to be able to give our mother a better life,’ she said.

‘He was always very focused, he never waited for anyone for anything,’ Braz added. 

‘He always knew his goal and he literally gave his life for this sport, he competed until his last breath.’