A 22-year-old university student has died after she collapsed during a workout in a gym.
Martina Gillio went into cardiac arrest while weight training with her boyfriend.
She complained of a severe headache before collapsing.
Her boyfriend called for help and gym staff, as well as a nurse who happened to be working out nearby, tried to revive her using CPR and the on-site defibrillator.
Paramedics and an air ambulance arrived soon after and Martina was airlifted from the gym in Poirino, Italy, to a hospital in nearby Turin on Tuesday (1 Jul) evening.
Doctors did everything they could to keep her alive, but her heart eventually stopped.
Martina was pronounced dead on Wednesday (2 Jul) evening, about 24 hours after her collapse.
Her organs have been donated, as reported by Need To Know.
Local media say Martina’s cardiac arrest may have been triggered by heatstroke.
The gym has no air conditioning and staff had reportedly resorted to opening windows during the recent hot spell, it is understood.
But Giuseppe Altavilla, who co-owns the fitness centre, insists the heat had nothing to do with Martina’s death.
He told local media: “It’s true that the gym doesn’t have air conditioning, but the reasons for Martina’s death lie elsewhere.
“Sadly, according to highly reliable sources, she suffered a brain aneurysm.
“In fact, it was already a miracle that she left the gym with a heartbeat, thanks to the defibrillator, chest compressions, and assisted ventilation.”
A post-mortem examination will likely confirm the exact cause of death.
Giuseppe went on: “We thought it might have been a drop in blood sugar.
“We’ve known her since she was little – she used to take dance classes here.
“Lately, she had been coming to train in the weights room.
“When she suddenly fell ill, it was awful. We’re all in shock.”
Martina was originally from nearby Chieri and was studying economics at the University of Turin.
She passed away with her parents, Anna and Luciano, at her side.
Prosecutors are reportedly preparing to open an investigation into her death.
Anna said: “My Martina has become a new star in the sky.”
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