Bodybuilder Wanderson da Silva Moreira has tragically died suddenly after suffering a suspected heart attack in the middle of a competition.
The Brazilian father-of-two reportedly dropped dead in front of a horrified audience during the annual Pantanal bodybuilding championship in the city of Campo Grande.
Eyewitnesses said he had just finished performing on the stage during the event on Saturday.
He was leaving the stage and heading toward the backstage area when he collapsed.
Moreira was treated by an emergency team for over an hour, but was pronounced dead at the scene.
No official cause of death has been revealed.
However, the medics who treated Moreira believe he died from a fatal heart attack.
An investigation has been launched into his shocking sudden death.
In a statement, Moreira’s coach described him as “a man with a huge heart,” and added:
“All we can do is grieve this loss and pray, ask God to comfort his family and all of us.
“You are, and always will be, part of our team and family.”
Moreira leaves behind a wife and two children.
Just days before the competition, he had posted to social media promising his wife that he would bring the trophy home.
A spokesperson for the competition organisers expressed condolences but declined to comment further.
Moreira’s devastated coach added 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.”
The Pantanal sporting event is one of the biggest bodybuilding competitions in western Brazil.
It is a gateway to the Mr. Olympia and Arnold Classic South America contests.
The tragedy comes just a week after another Brazilian bodybuilding star died suddenly.
Guilherme Henrique, known as Gui Bull, was a prominent figure in the sports and fitness community of Maringa, a city in the state of Paraná.
His death was confirmed last Monday.
However, the cause of Henrique’s death has not been revealed.
Henrique, who held a PhD in Biochemistry, was celebrated for his achievements in the Classic Physique and Classic Bodybuilding categories.
He secured five overall champion titles during his career.
An investigation has been launched into his sudden death
At the time of his passing, he was pursuing a degree in Nutrition at the University Center of Maringá.
The Parana Fisiculturismo federation expressed deep sorrow over his death, stating:
“Gui Bull was not just an athlete; he was a human being with a giant heart, who radiated energy and inspired everyone with his determination and sportsmanship.
“In this moment of pain and longing, we raise our thoughts and prayers to God, asking that He receive him in His arms and envelop him in His eternal light.
“May faith comfort the hearts of family and friends, bringing peace and serenity to face this difficult loss.”
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