World's 'most monstrous bodybuilder', nicknamed 'The Mutant', dies at 36 due to heart attack

Belarussian fitness freak, Illia ‘Golem’ Yefimchyk, widely known as the world’s “most monstrous bodybuilder,” died at the age of 36 reportedly due to a heart attack. Yefimchyk was admitted to a hospital on September 6, where he fell into a coma, and passed away on September 11.

The 36-year-old bodybuilder acquired the nickname “The Mutant” in fitness circles for his 6-foot monstrous frame and 340-pound weight.

Yefimchyk’s heart started beating heavily, informed his wife Anna to The New York Post, and was rushed to the hospital. While waiting for an ambulance to arrive, Anna was performing chest compressions on her husband.

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"I spent every day with him, hoping for recovery. His heart started beating again for two days, but doctors informed me that his brain had stopped functioning," Anna shared with local media.

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"I thank everyone for their condolences. It is very heartwarming to realise that I am not left alone in this world, and so many people have offered me help and support," she said after Yefimchyk’s death.

Yefimchyk maintained a 25-inch biceps through a rigorous diet of consuming up to 16,500 calories a day, which reportedly included over five pounds of steak and more than 100 pieces of sushi across seven meals.

He never participated or competed in any professional bodybuilding events, but was quite popular on social media where he used to share his training routines online, garnering millions of views and followers across social media platforms.

Yefimchyk had impressive lifting stats, including a 600-pound bench press, 700-pound deadlift, and 700-pound squats that made him big among fitness freaks and even professional bodybuilders.

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His death follows those of British bodybuilder Neil Currey, 34, and Brazilian competitor Antonio Souza, 26.

Currey was found dead inSeptember 2023, with his parents attributing it to prolonged steroid use, according to the BBC. Souza, on the other hand, died from cardiac arrest on August 3 after placing in the top three at a competition.

Heart-related issues are becoming common among bodybuilders. One key factor that can contribute to heart problems among them is the use of anabolic steroids. Several studies have shown that long-term and excessive use of steroids can lead to serious cardiovascular complications.

(With inputs from agencies)