Brazilian bodybuilder Mailson Araújo has died suddenly after collapsing at home just hours after sharing workout photos with his followers. He was 35.
Araújo fell ill late Monday at his home in Alagoinhas, Brazil, just days before he was set to compete at this weekend’s Musclecontest event in Curitiba, according to Globo.
His mother, who is a nurse, tried desperately to save him after he collapsed. First responders also rushed to the scene, but Araújo could not be revived.
He was pronounced dead soon after. His cause of death has not yet been released.
The news stunned fans and fellow athletes, especially because Araújo had posted gym photos only hours before his death.
In the images, the bodybuilder was seen flexing and showing off his physique as he continued preparing for competition.
“In the process, enjoying every day,” he captioned one of the now-heartbreaking posts.
Araújo had been a professional athlete for only three years, but he had already made a name for himself in the bodybuilding world.
He earned his professional tour card in 2023 after winning the Arnold Classic South America title in São Paulo.
He also had several strong finishes during his career, including a third-place finish at the 2023 Muscleman competition.
Araújo had been expected to appear at the Musclecontest competition, which begins Friday in Curitiba. The event is considered an important stop for some athletes hoping to move closer to the prestigious Mr. Olympia stage later in the year.
After news of his death spread, tributes began pouring in from the bodybuilding community.
Professional bodybuilder Maiki Ono wrote online that Araújo would be “greatly missed.”
Brazilian bodybuilder Lucas Moraes also paid tribute, describing the late athlete as a “giant.”
Araújo’s final post has now taken on a heartbreaking meaning for fans, who watched him celebrate the discipline and daily grind of his sport just hours before his sudden death.
