A bodybuilder dubbed “Popeye”, known for boosting his biceps with chemicals, has died at the age of 55.
Arlindo de Souza reportedly suffered multiple organ failure and passed away in hospital yesterday (14 Jan).
He gained fame after injecting homemade synthol into his arms to make them appear bigger.
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Arlindo was said to have the largest arms in Brazil and became a popular figure on national TV.
He was referred to as the “Brazilian Popeye” in his homeland.
His artificially boosted biceps measured a staggering 29 inches, as reported by Need To Know.
The 55-year-old, who lived with his mother in the coastal city of Olinda, was hospitalised with a kidney-related issue over the Christmas period.
Arlindo’s niece said that one of his kidneys failed, leading his “lungs to fill with fluid”.
She added: “He didn’t even make it to haemodialysis because he went into cardiac arrest.”
His relative added that the family hasn’t been given the death certificate yet, but they understand his passing was “due to multiple organ failure”.
An announcement on social media called him a “good guy, helpful, playful with his poses, and loved by the community”.
Doctors previously warned Arlindo about the dangers of frequently injecting synthol into his arms, and he changed his opinion on the practice following the death of close pal Paulinho.
The internet icon, better known online as Arlindo Anomalia, said at the time: “[Paulinho] took it, I took it, but he went beyond the limit.
“I advise everyone to never take this oil. I felt his death a lot.
“I’ve stopped taking it, and other things as well.
“There is always a desire to start again, but I’m managing to control myself.”
Arlindo, who had nearly 30,000 Facebook followers, added: “Some people will end up losing an arm, others will need an operation, some may even lose their lives.”
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