Overview
- Mailson Araújo, a 35-year-old professional bodybuilder from Alagoinhas, Brazil, collapsed at home on July 13 and was pronounced dead at the scene.
- His mother, a nursing technician, tried to render aid and first responders including fire services and an ambulance were called but could not revive him.
- Araújo posted photos from the gym hours before he fell ill and maintained an active fitness influencer profile with more than 32,000 Instagram followers.
- He turned professional after winning the 2023 Arnold Classic South America and had been preparing to compete at a Musclecontest championship in Curitiba, an event many athletes use as a stepping stone to larger pro shows.
- Tributes from peers and fans have circulated online, a local burial was scheduled for July 15, and authorities say details remain pending while no official cause of death has been released.