The bodybuilding community is mourning the loss of another competitor. In a recent statement shared by the PCA Official Instagram account (October 19, 2026), it was revealed that amateur bodybuilder Mateusz Chmura collapsed onstage and later died in the hospital at just 33 years old.
At the time of this writing, Mateusz Chmura’s cause of death is unknown. However, concerns about the safety of the sport have gained significant traction lately. Former eight-time Mr. Olympia Lee Haney is one of the biggest names to speak up. He argued that deaths are on the rise among younger bodybuilders in today’s era. He went on to emphasize that athletes are destroying their kidneys and taxing their hearts in pursuit of drier-looking physiques.
While we still don’t know what exactly happened to Chmura, it’s left the community on edge. Just a day after his sudden passing, we are learning more details about what happened as new information becomes available.
Amateur Bodybuilder Mateusz Chmura Tragically Passes Away at 33
In the statement, it was revealed that Mateusz Chmura was competing at the PCA British finals on Sunday, October 18, when the medical emergency took place.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Mateusz Chmura, 33, from Wakefield, has passed away. Mateusz was competing in the Classic Bodybuilding Medium category at the PCA British Finals at the Telford International Centre on Sunday 18 October. Our deepest condolences go to his wife, family, friends and everyone who knew and loved him.”
While onstage, he collapsed and was treated by paramedics before being transferred to the hospital by ambulance.
“During his category, Mateusz collapsed on stage. He was treated at the venue by paramedics, the local ambulance crew and the Midlands Air Ambulance team, before being taken by ambulance to hospital. Sadly, despite everyone’s best efforts, he later passed away in hospital.”
The event’s organizers explained that before news of his death was known, they decided to proceed with the event.
“The event was stopped while Mateusz was treated. Once he had left the venue for hospital, and before news of his death was known, we held a meeting with the athletes, and the decision to resume was taken following that meeting. Our heartfelt thanks go to the on-site medics, the trained medical professionals from the audience who stepped forward to assist, Midlands Air Ambulance and the hospital staff for everything they did for Mateusz.”
They paid tribute to Chmura and offered a line of communication to anyone in attendance affected by the tragedy.
“To everyone else who helped in any way, thank you. Your efforts will not be forgotten. We are also grateful to the staff at the Telford International Centre, our volunteers and the competitors for the way they supported one another. We ask that the privacy of his loved ones be respected at this very difficult time. What happened was deeply distressing for everyone in attendance, and it is completely normal to be struggling with it. Please do not carry this alone.”
“Our team is here for anyone who needs to talk, and you can contact us at [email protected]. Samaritans is also available free, 24 hours a day, on 116 123. We will share further information when it is appropriate to do so,” the statement read.
Aside from Chmura, Indian bodybuilding star Sushil Kumar collapsed at home after a workout and died in the hospital. His cause of death was also unknown, but medical professionals suggested that a sudden drop in blood pressure may have contributed to his passing.
Details surrounding Mateusz Chmura’s death are still surfacing. Our Fitness Volt team extends our deepest condolences to his friends and family during this time.
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