Bodybuilder dies after collapsing on stage the day before his 34th birthday

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A bodybuilder has died after collapsing on stage during a competition, just twenty-four hours before his 34th birthday.

Mateusz Chmura, 33, from Wakefield, suffered a collapse while competing in the Classic Bodybuilding Medium event at the PCA British Finals at the Telford International Centre on Sunday (18 Oct).

The Physical Culture Association (PCA), which hosted the event, confirmed Chmura was attended to by paramedics, local ambulance staff and the Midlands Air Ambulance crew prior to being taken to hospital. Despite attempts to save him, he later died.

In a statement released on Monday, the PCA said: “It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Mateusz Chmura, 33, from Wakefield, has passed away.

“Our deepest condolences go to his wife, family, friends and everyone who knew and loved him.”

The PCA halted the contest while Chmura received medical treatment, before resuming the event following a meeting with the remaining athletes.

Chmura made his bodybuilding debut two weeks earlier, coming second in the PCA First Timers show in Yorkshire on 4 October. He would have turned 34 on Monday (19 Oct), NeedToKnow reported.

Following his death, his wife Patrycja Chmura alerted the public to an unauthorised online fundraiser claiming to collect money for the family.

Writing via her late husband’s Instagram page, she confirmed she had no association with the campaign and had not granted permission for anyone to accept donations on their behalf.

She said: “I want to make it clear that I have nothing to do with this fundraiser.

“I did not create it, I did not give permission for it to be created, and I have not authorised anyone to collect money on behalf of me or my family.”

She urged people not to contribute, adding: “I beg you, please do not donate to this fundraiser.”

Patrycja noted that any legitimate campaign would be announced through an official channel if the family chose to launch one. She also thanked supporters for their messages of sympathy.

“I’m going through something incredibly painful and right now I simply do not have the words or the strength to say much more,” she said.

The couple married two months ago and had trained together less than 48 hours before Chmura collapsed. No official cause of death has been announced.

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