In a tragic turn of events, 19-year-old Brazilian bodybuilder Matheus Pavlak, a rising star with a “brilliant future” ahead of him, was found dead at his home, reportedly from a heart attack.
Matheus had spent the last five years transforming his body and overcoming childhood obesity, earning accolades and respect in the bodybuilding community. His sudden death has shocked those who knew him and has sparked a heated debate online about the pressures and potential dangers in the world of competitive bodybuilding.
Matheus was a prominent figure in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, where he regularly competed. Just last year, he won the U23 Mr. Blumenau title in his hometown. This May, he placed fourth and sixth in regional competitions, showcasing the remarkable progress he had made in such a short time. His ex-trainer, Lucas Chegatti, posted a heartfelt tribute on social media, reflecting on their time together and the young man’s promising future. “God has his plans but it’s hard to understand,” Chegatti wrote, expressing the deep sorrow felt by those who knew Matheus.
Quem era Matheus Pavlak, atleta de fisiculturismo que morreu aos 19 anos em SC https://t.co/24UQ9SFTT8 pic.twitter.com/m0w9WqTpn7
— NSC Notícias (@NSCNoticias) September 3, 2024
Despite the outpouring of grief, some have pointed fingers at the possible role of anabolic steroids in Matheus’s death. Critics on social media have suggested that the rapid muscle gain Matheus achieved at such a young age might have been fueled by performance-enhancing drugs, a common and controversial topic in the world of bodybuilding.
One commenter bluntly stated, “It’s impossible to get that sort of muscle definition aged just 19.” This accusation, however, has been met with strong opposition from Matheus’s supporters, who argue that such claims are disrespectful and speculative, especially in the wake of his death.
Matheus’s untimely passing is, unfortunately, not an isolated incident in the bodybuilding world. The sport has seen several high-profile deaths recently, each raising concerns about the physical toll that extreme bodybuilding can take. Just this past May, Majorcan bodybuilder Xisco Serra died at 50 after enduring a life marked by health struggles, including cancer and peritonitis.
In April, Brazilian bodybuilder Jonas Filho, known as “Jonas Big,” lost his battle with Covid-19 at the age of 29. And earlier this year, Portuguese bodybuilder Marco Luis, also known as “Monster,” passed away at 46 while in Germany, doing what he loved.
The bodybuilding community is left mourning yet another life cut short, with many reflecting on the intense pressures that come with the pursuit of physical perfection. While Matheus’s cause of death is still under scrutiny, his story serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks that can accompany this demanding sport.
