World’s ‘most monstrous bodybuilder’ Illia ‘Golem’ Yefimchyk dies aged 36

Cameron Noakes
7NEWS Sport
Bodybuilder Illia ‘Golem’ Yefimchyk has died, aged 36
Bodybuilder Illia ‘Golem’ Yefimchyk has died, aged 36 Credit: Supplied

The wife of world famous bodybuilder Illia ‘Golem’ Yefimchyk has been left devastated by the death of her 36-year-old husband.

Yefimchyk was also known as the world’s “most monstrous bodybuilder”, the ‘340lbs beast’ and ‘The Mutant’.

The Belarusian was famous for his mindblowing diet, eating seven meals a day, and taking in 2.5 kgs of steak and 108 pieces of sushi.

Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.

Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.

Email Us
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

On September 6 he reportedly suffered a heart attack and fell into a coma, as his wife, Anna, performed CPR while waiting for an ambulance.

A helicopter flew Yefimchyk to hospital but sadly, two days ago, doctors confirmed his death.

“I spent every day by his side, hoping, and his heart started beating again for two days,” Anna told local media.

“But the doctor gave me the terrible news that his brain had died.

“I thank everyone for their condolences. It’s very heartwarming to realise that I am not left alone in this world, and so many people have offered me help and support.”

Illia ‘Golem’ Yefimchyk has died at the age of 36.
Illia ‘Golem’ Yefimchyk has died at the age of 36. Credit: Instagram
The bodybuilder was a social media sensation.
The bodybuilder was a social media sensation. Credit: Instagram

Yefimchyk was a social media sensation and had more than 300,000 followers on Instagram.

He was 185cm tall, had 25-inch biceps (63.5cm), and weighed a staggering 154 kgs.

In 2020, he told Muscular Development his bodybuilding journey had been inspired Arnold Schwarzenegger.

And he had previously admitted he could not even do one push-up when he was at school.

“My transformation is a result of years of hard training and discipline, paired with an understanding of exercise physiology and nutrition,” he once said.

“My mission is to instil a work ethic in people so they can overcome and surmount their fears while acting confidently towards the betterment of themselves and those around them.”

His death raises more concerns about the sport, which continues to be haunted by tragedy.

Antonio Souza, 26, and Neil Currey, 34, are among other well-known bodybuilders who have recently died.

Souza also died of a heart attack while Currey, a former Mr Olympia, was found dead in his Sheffield flat in England 12 months ago.

A medical inquest found that he had died from a mix of methamphetamine and cocaine, and also from the prolonged use of steroids.

But his parents pointed the finger at the steroid use and said it affected his mental health.

Originally published on 7NEWS Sport

Latest Edition

The front page of The Nightly for 04-10-2024

Latest Edition

Edition Edition 4 October 20244 October 2024

Revolting. Despicable. Disgusting. Why anniversary rallies must be banned.