An amateur bodybuilder has died after collapsing on stage during a competition at the weekend in front of a shocked audience.
Mateusz Chmura, 33, from Wakefield, was competing at the PCA British Finals at the Telford International Centre in Shropshire on Sunday when he collapsed, organisers said.
Mr Chmura was competing in the Classic Bodybuilding Medium division, just two weeks after taking part in his first ever competition in Yorkshire and placing second.
Paramedics and the Midlands Air Ambulance rushed to the scene and provided treatment to the bodybuilder, who was taken to hospital.
He was later confirmed to have died.
Posts on social media show Mr Chmura got married in August to his wife, Patrycja, who last night said her husband’s death has been ‘incredibly painful’.
The PCA said the British Finals were halted while Mr Chmura was receiving treatment but, after he had departed the venue, a meeting was held with the other athletes and a decision was taken to continue with the competition.
In a statement, the organisation said its ‘deepest condolences go to his wife, family, friends and everyone who knew and loved him’.
Mateusz Chmura, 33, from Wakefield, was competing at the PCA British Finals at the Telford International Centre in Shropshire on Sunday when he collapsed, organisers said (Pictured at a prior competition)
Mr Chmura is seen during his first bodybuilding competition, the PCA First Timers event in Yorkshire on October 4
They continued: ‘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.
‘To everyone else who helped in any way, thank you. Your efforts will not be forgotten.
‘We are also grateful to the staff at the Telford International Centre, our volunteers and the competitors for the way they supported one another.
‘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.’
In a statement shared on her late husband’s Instagram account, Patrycja issued a warning over an online fundraiser claiming to raise money for the family following his death as she thanked wellwishers for their kindness.
She stressed that she had no connection to the fundraiser and had not authorised anyone to collect money on behalf of the family.
‘I beg you, please do not donate to this fundraiser,’ she added.
She also thanked those who had sent messages of condolence and support following her husband’s sudden death.
‘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.
‘Thank you for everyone who has shown Mateusz and our family love, compassion and support. Every kind work means more than I can express right now.’
The couple had married just two months ago and had trained together less than 48 hours before Chmura collapsed.
The cause of his death has not been publicly confirmed.
