Antônio Leso Brás de Souza, a Brazilian bodybuilder aged 26, succumbed to a heart attack following his participation in the Navega Open bodybuilding competition held in Navegantes, Santa Catarina, Brazil on August 3, 2024. Souza had just secured a trophy for finishing within the top three in his category. Despite the immediate response from medical teams at the scene, his life could not be saved.

Prior to the event, De Souza had shared a video on Instagram, expressing his anticipation and positive spirit to his more than 9,000 followers. In the video, he mentioned that he was off to the weigh-in, hoping for success with divine support. His lean look, evident from his facial features, was also commented on, displaying his confidence to his followers.

De Souza’s wife, Yone Farias, confirmed his death on social media and expressed her grief. In her post, she stated that her love for him would continue to endure, touching the hearts of fans who admired De Souza’s dedication to the sport.

De Souza’s sister, Mary Braz, drew attention to his commitment: “His dream was to be recognized for doing what he loved and to be able to give our mother a better life.”

It was later revealed that De Souza had been suffering from chest discomfort before the competition. Farias disclosed that he had been using diuretics, a common practice among bodybuilders to reduce water weight and enhance muscle definition. This could have led to dehydration and subsequent heart attack.

De Souza started his bodybuilding journey when he was 15 and had been competing professionally for half a decade. His accomplishments from 2020 to 2022, including numerous prestigious titles, marked him as a significant figure in the bodybuilding scene.

The Navega Open organizers released a statement expressing their condolences for the loss of a committed and ambitious athlete. “Our condolences to the family and friends for this inestimable loss,” it read.

De Souza’s body was taken back to his native city of Manaus where a funeral was held on August 6. Family, friends, and fellow athletes gathered to pay their respects and honor his contributions to the sport.

De Souza’s unexpected death has sparked discussions about the potential health hazards associated with competitive bodybuilding. The use of diuretics and the intense physical demands of the sport emphasize the need to closely monitor athletes’ health. His legacy will continue to inspire bodybuilders, reminding them of the dedication and resilience required to excel in the sport.

Antônio Leso Brás de Souza will be remembered as a passionate athlete who dedicated his life to bodybuilding, through his accomplishments and the impact he left on those around him.