Tragedy struck the Smart Fit gym in northwest Bogota, Colombia. Bodybuilding champ Jose Sebastian Anzola Quintero died after collapsing mid-workout last Thursday (Feb. 5, 2026). Reports indicate that he died from a heart attack after nearly 30 minutes of CPR.
His devastated friend, Andres Montoya, was candid about the loss. He believes precautionary measures could have prevented Quintero’s death. He shared that if the gym had the staff or necessary equipment, this situation could have been avoided.
“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.”
Bodybuilding Champ Jose Quintero Dies Mid-Workout from Heart Attack
Montoya also revealed that the gym opened a day later as if nothing happened. Smart Fit Colombia issued an official statement, confirming Quintero’s passing.
“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,” it read. “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,” the statement read.
Quintero was a passionate local Classic Physique bodybuilder in the Colombian scene. He claimed gold at five different events throughout his career. He regularly shared physique updates, training sessions, and messages of motivation via social media. Beyond bodybuilding, Quintero was a successful entrepreneur who sold supplements and was an industrial designer.
Sadly, Quintero isn’t the only bodybuilder to lose his life too soon. Tributes poured in following the shocking death of IFBB Pro Jason Lowe. He was 38 years old; as of this writing, his cause of death has not been publicly revealed. Younger talents are also passing away often, like IFBB Pro bodybuilder LaMarcus Morris, who died at just 29 years old.
With so many tragedies rocking the sport, some have called for changes. Former Mr. Olympias Lee Haney and Arnold Schwarzenegger have both labeled bodybuilding as dangerous. Schwarzenegger even suggested that it sometimes kills people.
In time, fans hope to hear more about exactly what led to Quintero’s heart attack. Our Fitness Volt team wishes his friends and family well during this difficult time.
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