A bodybuilder has died after collapsing on stage during a competition – just one day before his 34th birthday.
Mateusz Chmura, 33, was competing in the Classic Bodybuilding Medium category at the PCA British Finals at the Telford International Centre on Sunday (18 Oct).
The Polish bodybuilder, who lived in Wakefield, collapsed on stage during his appearance.
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The Physical Culture Association (PCA), which organised the event, confirmed that Chmura was treated by paramedics, a local ambulance crew and the Midlands Air Ambulance team before being taken to hospital.
But despite their best efforts, he later died.
The PCA announced his death in a statement on Monday, saying: “It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Mateusz Chmura, 33, from Wakefield, has passed away.
“Our deepest condolences go to his wife, family, friends and everyone who knew and loved him.”
The organisation said the competition was stopped while Chmura received treatment before resuming after a meeting with the other athletes.
Chmura had competed in his first bodybuilding show just two weeks earlier, finishing second at the PCA First Timers event in Yorkshire on 4 October.
He would have celebrated his 34th birthday on Monday (19 Oct), as reported by Need To Know.
His wife, Patrycja Chmura, has since issued a warning over an online fundraiser claiming to raise money for the family following his death.
In a statement shared on her late husband’s Instagram account, she stressed that she had no connection to the fundraiser and had not authorised anyone to collect money on behalf of the family.
She said: “I want to make it clear that I have nothing to do with this fundraiser.
“I did not create it, I did not give permission for it to be created, and I have not authorised anyone to collect money on behalf of me or my family.”
She urged people not to donate, adding: “I beg you, please do not donate to this fundraiser.”
Patrycja said she would share details through an official, trusted channel if the family decided to launch an authorised fundraiser.
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.
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.
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