Bodybuilding champ Mehdi Zatparvar was killed during peaceful protests in Iran. He lost his life on Friday Jan. 9, 2026, in the city of Rasht in Gilan province in northwestern Iran, as reported by a Norway-based human rights organization.
Zatparvar was shot by Iranian government forces, according to CNN. Peaceful protests have been taking place across the country since late Dec. 2025. Thus far, it’s unclear how many people have died in Iran, but early estimates suggest at least 500 protesters have lost their lives.
Zatparvar made waves as an impressive bodybuilder. He also coached athletes to success in his spare time. Between physique updates, training footage, and his time onstage, he became a local fan favorite in his home country.
Mehdi Zatparvar, Bodybuilding Champion, Dies During Peaceful Protests in Iran
Before his death, Zatparvar was vocal on Instagram, sharing his resistance against the latest Iranian protest crackdown.
I just want my right. A voice that has been silenced me for forty years must be shouted.
You are the cause of our days. You took away our youth, hopes, dreams and the minimums.
This is me todayš¤
I am here so that tomorrow I won’t look at myself in the mirror and say that I had no vein, I had no honor. And I gave it, I will pay anything for it.
I, Massoud, Zatparvar, am on the floor of the street today, I have no fear, no worry! I want my right āļøhe shared.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DTQMyyWjNmc/
Tensions with government entities have affected athletes worldwide. Pro-Ukrainian powerlifter Yuliia Lemeshchenko was accused of sabotage and treason against Russia. During her court appearance, she was sentenced to 19 years in prison.
The sport of bodybuilding has seen a shocking number of deaths shake up the landscape. Kevin Notario Nunes, a fellow bodybuilding champ, died at just 28 due to a flesh-eating bacterial infection, and IFBB Pro bodybuilder LaMarcus Morris passed away at only 29 years old.
Additionally, fans were upset to discover that IFBB Pro Wang Kun lost his life at the age of 30. He won multiple bodybuilding titles throughout his career. According to a spokesperson for the Anhui Provincial Bodybuilding Association, his death likely stemmed from a heart problem. Brazilian bodybuilder Wanderson Da Silva Moreira also died at just 30 years old after collapsing onstage.
With security forces pushing back against peaceful protests in Iran, time will tell if the death toll rises. Fitness Volt wishes Zatparvar’s friends and family strength and resilience during this difficult time.
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