A newlywed bodybuilder has died after collapsing on stage during the finals of a UK competition — just a day before his 34th birthday.
Mateusz Chmura, 33, was competing in just his second event when he collapsed during his routine at Sunday’s PCA British Finals in Telford, England, the UK’s Physical Culture Association said, announcing his death with “deep sadness.”
The muscleman, of Wakefield, was treated on stage amid the “deeply distressing” incident before being airlifted to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, the cause of which is unclear.
Chmura, who finished second in his first event just two weeks ago, died the day before he turned 34, and leaves behind his wife of just two months, Patrycja Chmura.
She broke her silence to rip an online fundraiser that she insisted she had “nothing to do with.”
“I have not authorised anyone to collect money on behalf of me or my family,” she said in a lengthy Instagram post, warning people not to fall for it.
“I would never want anyone to lose their hard-earned money because they are trying to help us during such a difficult time,” his widow added.
“I am going through something incredibly painful, and right now I simply do not have the words or strength to say much more.”
Chmura’s death came just four days after the death of two-time Mr. Olympia competitor Marianne von Gierke.
Von Gierke, 40, died Wednesday – two weeks after finishing in 13th place in the Mr. Olympia women’s physique category.
She previously competed in the 2024 edition of Mr. Olympia, finishing in 16th place.
