Competition organisers have confirmed the “deeply distressing” news that a bodybuilding finalist has died after collapsing during competition.
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Mateusz Chmura, who was set to celebrate his 34th birthday on October 19, collapsed while competing at the PCA British Finals in Telford on Monday (AEDT).
Organiser the Physical Culture Association released a statement announcing his death after his fall, having been rushed to hospital after falling to the floor during the classic medium bodybuilding category at the Telford International Centre.
Mateusz Chmura in the gym. Photo: INSTAGRAM/Mateusz Chmura
The organising body wrote: “It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Mateusz Chmura, 33, from Wakefield, has passed away.
“Our heartfelt thanks go to the on-site medics, the trained medical professionals from the audience who stepped forward to assist, Midlands Air Ambulance and the hospital staff for everything they did for Mateusz.”
Chmura was competing in just his second event, having finished second in his first competition two weeks earlier, The Sun reports.
Mateusz Chmura, who was set to celebrate his 34th birthday. Photo: INSTAGRAM/Mateusz Chmura.
The competition was resumed after the athlete was taken to hospital following a meeting between organisers and contestants.
The statement continued: “To everyone else who helped in any way, thank you. Your efforts will not be forgotten.
“We ask that the privacy of his loved ones be respected at this very difficult time.
“What happened was deeply distressing for everyone in attendance, and it is completely normal to be struggling with it. Please do not carry this alone.”
The cause of his sudden collapse has not been confirmed.
Chmura is survived by his wife of just two months, Patrycja Chmura.
She released a heartbreaking statement of her own, mourning her late husband while warning followers that a fraudulent fundraiser had been set up claiming to raise money for the family.
She wrote on Instagram: “I have not authorised anyone to collect money on behalf of me or my family.
“I would never want anyone to lose their hard-earned money because they are trying to help us during such a difficult time.”
Speaking on the touching flood of support for her husband, his widow added: “I want to thank every single person who has reached out, left a comment, sent a message or simply taken a moment to think about Mateusz.
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“I am reading every single comment, and I cannot begin to explain how much your kindness means to me.
“I am going through something incredibly painful, and right now I simply do not have the words or strength to say much more.”
— This story originally appeared on The Sun and has been republished with permission
