A BRAZILIAN bodybuilder and fitness influencer has tragically died aged 29 after being rushed to hospital with Covid.
Jonas Filho, known as Jonas Big, was rushed to Sao Jose Hospital in the Ceara state capital Fortaleza in the early hours of April 15.
instagramA Brazilian bodybuilder and influencer has tragically passed away[/caption]
instagramJonas worried fans after publishing photos of himself on a respirator[/caption]
instagramThe 29-year-old has previously spoken out about the pain of bodybuilding[/caption]
The influencer left his 10,400 Instagram followers worried after he published photos of himself on a respirator shortly after his admission.
He posted the photos alongside the caption: “Only God knows the pain and tears of the clown.”
It has since emerged that he was diagnosed with pneumonia shortly after, and then Covid-19.
His death was confirmed late on April 19.
Jonas, who last won the 2023 Musclecontest Rio Pro, worked as a personal trainer.
He was known for being the first bodybuilder in Ceara to compete professionally.
The late influencer spoke openly about the suffering bodybuilding has cost him in an emotional Instagram post last October.
He wrote: “My blood clots hurt with every step, my joints hurt more and more with each series.
“It’s been so long that on the days when I feel less pain it seems strangle.
“And if I wake up one day and there is no pain, I will miss you.”
He ended his post by saying: “It’s a dependence. I need it and I’m not ashamed to always get it.
“If you think I’m talking about drugs, I’m referring to the pain.”
In another post, referring to his upbringing in Ceara, he wrote: “Whoever comes from a poor family has only one option and one chance.
“The option to work to have the opportunity to turn the game around. And I don’t think about anything else.”
Heartbroken fans have been flooding the internet with tributes to the muscleman.
One said: “I met Jonas in college. He was a top guy. Unbelievable.”
Rio de Janeiro-based personal trainer Mardenes Cardoso said: “The angels have carried him to the great training ground of the heroes.
“A warrior has left us and the legend lives on of one of the greatest athletes Ceara produced.
“Your name will be remembered for ever. Rest in peace Jonas Filho.”
Female strength coach Sarah Lydia added overnight on social media: “I found out today and I’m still in shock.
“My deepest condolences to his family and friends. He was an outstanding guy.”
The 29-year-old is survived by his parents.
It comes after a Portuguese bodybuilder died aged 46 in Cologne in Germany last Sunday.
The muscleman, dubbed “Monster”, had a massive following on social media – and worked as an online coach and motivator.
The reason behind the bodybuilder’s death has not been revealed yet.
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