1776Reporting
Belarusian bodybuilder Illia “Golem” Yefimchyk, a man widely recognized for his massive physique and dedicated lifestyle, tragically passed away at just 36 years old. His death, which took place on September 6, was recently confirmed by the Instagram account @whoisthebestbb. Known for his size and commitment to bodybuilding, Yefimchyk’s sudden demise has shocked fans and the fitness world alike.
Reports from Belarusian and Russian media suggest that Yefimchyk suffered a heart attack while at home. His wife, Anna, was by his side during this life-threatening incident and immediately performed chest compressions as they waited for medical help. Despite her efforts and the brief hope that followed, the outcome was devastating. “I spent every day by his side, hoping, and his heart started beating again for two days, but the doctor gave me the terrible news that his brain had died,” his wife, Anna, shared with local media, describing the heartbreaking ordeal. She also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support: “I thank everyone for their condolences. It’s very heartwarming to realize that I am not left alone in this world, and so many people have offered me help and support.”
Yefimchyk was a towering figure, both literally and figuratively, in the bodybuilding community. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 340 pounds, he earned the nickname “The Mutant” for his enormous frame. His impressive physique didn’t just happen by accident; it was the result of an intense regimen. Yefimchyk followed a strict, high-calorie diet, consuming as much as 16,500 calories per day to maintain his size. His seven daily meals reportedly included five pounds of steak and over 100 pieces of sushi. This “mass monster” diet helped him build and sustain 25-inch biceps, a feat that left many in awe of his dedication.
Despite his notable size and strength, Yefimchyk wasn’t involved in professional bodybuilding competitions. Instead, he shared his workouts and routines online, amassing a significant following of more than 100,000 across social media platforms. Inspired by the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, Yefimchyk started his bodybuilding journey in pursuit of strength and physical excellence. His workouts were legendary, with claims of a 600-pound bench press, a 700-pound deadlift, and squats of the same weight, feats that underscored his relentless commitment to pushing his body to the limit.
Yefimchyk’s death is part of a concerning trend in the bodybuilding world, as the fitness community has seen several other recent losses. British bodybuilder Neil Currey, 34, passed away in September 2023, with his family attributing his death to prolonged steroid use. Brazilian competitor Antonio Souza, 26, also died from cardiac arrest shortly after placing in the top 3 at a competition in early August. These back-to-back tragedies highlight the risks some athletes face as they strive for greatness in the often grueling and physically demanding world of bodybuilding.
As fans and fellow athletes mourn the loss of Yefimchyk, his story serves as a reminder of both the dedication required to achieve such physical feats and the toll it can take on the human body.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings