Bodybuilding champ Davoud Sohrabi has sadly passed away at just 30 years old. News of his death was shared on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, with reports indicating that he was shot in the eye during Iranian protests on Jan. 8. He spent 50 days in a coma before succumbing to the injury.
According to Iran International, Sohrabi was transferred to the hospital and underwent surgery after being shot in the eye. He later fell into a coma, and for over seven weeks, his family watched his condition deteriorate from the sidelines.
Earlier that day, he competed in a bodybuilding contest just hours before joining the protests. Having started working at 14 years old, he found his passion for bodybuilding and eventually became a coach. Fans who watched his videos labeled him ‘Iran’s Brad Pitt‘ due to their likeness.
On Wednesday, Feb. 25, Sohrabi’s funeral occurred in the courtyard of Imamzadeh Yahya, where he was buried by loved ones. His passing is the latest to shake up the sport, leading many to wonder when Iran’s political unrest will come to an end.
Bodybuilder Known as ‘Iran’s Brad Pitt’ Dead at 30 After Being Shot in the Eye During Protest
Fans have taken to his Instagram comment section to share their thoughts on his passing:
“The son of Iran 😢”
“The son of Iran and the sacrifice for the homeland😭🤍”
“May your soul rest in peace and your memory remain forever son of Iran 🕊️🖤”
“The children of Iran … Sacrifice for the homeland 💔🥀💔🥀💔🥀”
“Not only did they not let you record a video, they didn’t even let you live 💔”
“I will die for your youth, my brother, my homeland. I will never forget your face until the day of revenge for your pure blood 🖤😭🖤”
“Dear son of Iran, rest in eternal peace, son of Iran 💔🖤”
“Sacrifice for the homeland, Davoud Sohrabi 🕊️🖤”
“May your soul be happy 🖤🕊️”
Sadly, the political climate in Iran has led to other athletes dying. Iranian bodybuilding champion Mehdi Zatparvar also passed away after being shot during peaceful anti-government protests. Additionally, Ukrainian powerlifter Yuliia Lemeshchenko was sentenced to 19 years in a Russian jail after authorities suspected that she received shooting, drone, and explosives training.
In time, Iranian citizens and fans of the sport hope to see change. Our team at Fitness Volt sends our deepest condolences to his friends and family.
