A POPULAR Brazilian bodybuilder dubbed the real-life Popeye has tragically died.
Arlindo de Souza, 55, once known for having the largest arms in Brazil, claimed to have built his physique using oil injections.
The muscle man passed away from kidney-related issues after he was hospitalised at Christmas.
The weightlifter had made global headlines when his biceps measured a staggering 29 inches round.
Reports at the time said his muscles had been the product of a self-administered cocktail, made up of mineral oil and alcohol.
Despite their appearance, the muscles did not make him any stronger.
His relatives confirmed his death on Tuesday.
Speaking to local media, de Souza’s niece said one of his kidneys had failed during the week of Christmas.
“His lungs began to fill with fluid,” she said.
“He didn’t even make it to haemodialysis because he went into cardiac arrest.
“The death certificate hasn’t been issued yet, but I believe it was due to multiple organ failure.”
Doctors had previously warned de Souza about the potential consequences of his frequent injecting, which included abscesses that could end in amputations as well as death.
Just over a decade ago, the bodybuilder told UK media that he had lost a friend – named Paulinho – who had also taken part in the dangerous methods.
“I felt his death a lot,” he said.
“He took it, I took it, but he went beyond the limit. I advise no-one to take this oil.
“I’ve stopped taking it, and other things as well, but there is always that will to start again. But I’m managing to control myself, to this day.”
He revealed an acquaintance at the gym had first offered him the injection cocktail.
“I was working out the same so my strength stayed the same, nothing changed,” he said.
“Most people who take it do not know how to apply it. They will use just any old blood vessel.
“Some will end up losing an arm, another needs an operation, some may even lose their lives.”
De Souza started weight lifting as a teenager with his brother, who relatives say died after he was mugged.
The bodybuilder was single and had no children.
He did odd jobs as a bricklayers apprentice, according to his family.
Tributes were pouring out for him in his local neighbourhood in Aguas Compridas in Olinda, where de Souza lived with his mother.
One person said: “Legend from Aguas Compridas. Rest in peace”.
“You will never be forgotten,” another said.
