A professional bodybuilder collapsed and died just hours after sharing photos from the gym as he prepared for his next major competition.
Mailson Araújo, 35, reportedly fell ill at his home in Alagoinhas, Brazil, late Monday, only days before he was scheduled to compete at this weekend’s Musclecontest event in Curitiba.
The competition is considered an important stop for some athletes hoping to eventually qualify for the prestigious Mr. Olympia contest later in the year.
Araújo’s mother, who is a nurse, desperately tried to save him after he collapsed. First responders also rushed to the home, but the bodybuilder could not be revived, according to Globo.
He was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released an official cause of death.
Just hours earlier, Araújo had posted photos of himself flexing and working out at the gym as he continued preparing for the upcoming competition.
“In the process, enjoying every day,” he captioned one of the now-heartbreaking images showing off his muscular physique.
Araújo had been competing professionally for only three years but had already built an impressive career in the sport.
He earned his professional tour card in 2023 after winning the Arnold Classic South America title in São Paulo.
The bodybuilder later recorded several top-four finishes, including a third-place result at the 2023 Muscleman competition.
Araújo had been expected to take the stage at the Musclecontest competition beginning Friday in Curitiba.