'Now you are part of heaven’s elite': Tributes paid to bodybuilder, aged 26, who collapsed and died suddenly in the gym
A 26-year-old bodybuilder and influencer has died at the age of 26 after suddenly collapsing at the gym during a workout.
Juan Sebastián Anzola Quintero, a Colombian bodybuilder, died in the middle of a workout at a public gym earlier this month.
Anzola was working out at a branch of popular gym chain Smart Fit in Bogota, Colombia, when he suddenly collapsed on February 5, as reported local outlets El Tiempo, El Colombiano and El Espectador. Witnesses allegedly told local news outlets that he died at the scene.
Gym user Cristian Russinque said he had been with the star, who had the nickname of Sebas, in the hours before his death: “I was with Sebas that day taking turns to lift weights. “They were very tough moments. Seeing what happened was very, very sad,” he said.
Fitness trainer Humberto Perdomo, paid tribute to the late star, saying: “It was a pleasure knowing you. Now you are part of heaven’s elite. I’m sure you will continue to inspire, guide and accompany all those who loved you from there. Have a good journey, champion.”
His friend Andres Montoya, claimed that his friend could have been saved if the right precautions were in place. He said: “We cannot guarantee that he would have been saved, but there would have been a chance that the outcome could have been different. More than 25 minutes passed, half an hour, during which some people tried to resuscitate him, tried to get him out. Smart Fit said they couldn’t move him.”
He also alleged that the gym had opened its doors the following day “as if nothing had happened”.
Smart Fit Colombia gym chain said in a statement: “Mr. Juan Sebastian Anzola Quintero was training and suddenly suffered cardiorespiratory arrest. Our team of certified first responders responded immediately and proceeded to administer first aid as indicated by protocol for these cases, performing resuscitation manoeuvres and using an automated external defibrillator.
“Simultaneously, while first aid was being administered, we activated our emergency protocol, and the protected area of the headquarters responded to the call. Unfortunately, the person died before being transferred. Smart Fit Colombia deeply regrets the death of Mr Anzola and offers its sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and friends.”
Anzola was a competitive bodybuilder, and he had five overall titles in the discipline, according to El Tiempo. He also had a master’s degree in physical fitness, stated the outlet. He was also a social media influencer and regularly shared content of his workout and fitness routines online. His Instagram account appeared to be deactivated after his death.
His family held his funeral three days after his sudden and untimely death, on February 8, at Jardines del Recuerdo, a cemetery north of Bogota.