A bodybuilder has died after collapsing on stage during the finals of a UK competition, leaving behind his wife, whom he married just two months ago.
Mateusz Chmura, 33, was competing in the Classic Bodybuilding Medium category – just his second event – at Sunday’s PCA British Finals in Telford, England, when he collapsed during his routine, the UK’s Physical Culture Association announced on Monday.
Chmura, who is of Polish descent but resided in Wakefield, England, was treated at the scene by paramedics after collapsing on stage, before being taken by ambulance to hospital, in an incident the PCA described as “deeply distressing for everyone in attendance”.
Unfortunately, despite everyone’s best efforts, Chmura later passed away in hospital, though the exact cause of death remains unclear at this time.
The PCA said that it had initially stopped the event while Chmura was being treated, but following a meeting with athletes, at which point the bodybuilder had left the venue for the hospital and had not yet been declared dead, the decision to resume was taken.
Chmura, who finished second in his first event just two weeks ago on Oct. 4, passed away just a day before his 34th birthday and leaves behind his wife of just two months, Patrycja Chmura.
On Tuesday, Patrycja broke her silence to rip an online fundraiser that she insisted she had “nothing to do with”, uploading a lengthy post to her husband’s Instagram.
“I know nothing about this fundraiser, and I am genuinely concerned it could be a scam,” she wrote.
“Please, I am begging you, do not donate any money to this fundraiser. I would never want anyone to lose their hard-earned money because they are trying to help us during such a difficult time.”
Patricia also expressed deep gratitude for the love and support shown to her family during this “incredibly painful” time, though admitted that she simply doesn’t “have the words or strength to say much more.”
Chmura and his wife were dedicated fitness partners who had completed a workout session together less than 48 hours before his tragic collapse.
Chmura trained at Ultraflex Gym Normanton, where staff and members remembered him as a highly valued, friendly, and helpful part of their community.
