Justyn Vicky death updates — Tributes pour in for bodybuilder, 33, who broke his neck during freak squat accident at gym
A BALI-based bodybuilder has died aged 33 after a routine squat in the gym went disastrously wrong.
Justyn Vicky, who was also a personal trainer, tragically died during a freak accident at the gym while performing a back squat.
According to reports, the bodybuilder was attempting to squat 460lbs when the accident occurred in Sanur, Bali.
Footage shows the 33-year-old from East Java, Indonesia, grunting while trying to extend his legs as the heavy bar weighs down upon his shoulders.
But in a shocking twist, the stacked barbell comes crashing down onto the back of his neck - pushing his head forward at a gruesome angle.
Read our Justyn Vicky live blog below for the latest updates...
Justyn Vicky frequently squatted heavy weights
Justyn Vicky was a bodybuilder and frequently lifted extremely heavy weights.
He a video on his Instagram account just two weeks ago squatting 200kg (440 lbs.).
In the clip he is able to safely squat the barbell with his coach spotting him.
Dangers of bodybuilding
A doctor issued a chilling warning about the dangers of bodybuilding after the death of Jo Lindner.
Speaking to the U.S. Sun, Dr. Chris Raynor said: “He has done things in his training that have probably contributed to his death. Because he had used them (performance-enhancing drugs) for some time … his body was not able to produce a normal level on its own.”
Read all about what Dr. Raynor had to say below.
Important tips for safe bodybuilding training
There’s no such thing as being too safe, that’s why here are some more tips to practise safe bodybuilding training.
- Wear appropriate clothing that allows you to move your whole body.
- Make sure all the weight plates are properly secured before doing a lift.
- Training in the morning, especially if you train at home in a garage for example, means you’ll get some cooler temperatures. Try not to train in temperatures over 100 degrees as it could lead to heatstroke.
- Stop what you’re doing if you feel dizzy or feel like you’re going to faint.
- No momentum when lifting weight, just use a safe lifting speed which you feel is within your control.
Justyn Vicky frequently squatted heavy weights
Justyn Vicky was a bodybuilder and frequently lifted extremely heavy weights.
He a video on his Instagram account just two weeks ago squatting 200kg (440 lbs.).
In the clip, he is able to safely squat the barbell with his coach spotting him.
Fellow amateur bodybuilders pay tribute
Fellow amateur bodybuilders have paid tribute to Justyn Vicky following the news of his passing.
Taking to social media one wrote: “He was always full of positive vibes and make me to stay motivated. I’ll never forget his impact on my fitness journey.
”It’s a tough loss, but we’ll keep his spirit alive.”
A second posted: “I didn’t know him well, but when we talked he seemed like a great person – my condolences to the family.”
Important safety tips to follow at the gym
- Only lift a weight with good form – don’t force it.
- Try to have a gym partner, especially when on a bench press.
- Stay hydrated.
- Be aware of those around you and other objects that might be in your area.
- Put the weights back so they don’t distract you or anyone else or pose a threat.
- Use a towel to try and keep the gym as germ-free as possible.
- Warm-up to prepare your body.
- Take your time, this isn’t a race.
- Lift weight that you can handle, don’t push your body too much and risk hurting yourself.
- If you’re not sure of an exercise or of whether you’re doing something right, ask someone.
What is bodybuilding?
Bodybuilding is the use of progressive resistance exercise to build, control, and develop one’s muscles via hypertrophy.
An individual who engages in this activity is referred to as a bodybuilder.
Justyn Vicky worked in the fitness industry
Fitness influencer Justyn Vicky was a bodybuilder, nutritional advisor, and personal trainer based in Bali.
Vicky, who boasted nearly 30,000 Instagram followers, was well-known for the ‘love and passion’ he put into his personal coaching.
The bodybuilder died aged 33 after a tragic accident at a gym as he attempted to squat-press 460lb.
Footage has surfaced
Footage shows how the 33-year-old from East Java, Indonesia, grunts while trying to extend his legs as the heavy bar weighs down upon his shoulders.
As he struggles to stand upright, the lone spotter behind him is completely helpless as Justyn falls onto his bum seconds later.
As the influencer hits the floor, the stacked barbell comes crashing down onto the back of his neck, pushing his head forward at a gruesome angle.
He then drops backward to the floor in front of horrified gymgoers.
Justyn Vicky tended to immediately
After the accident, Justyn was rushed to a local hospital with a broken neck and critical compression of vital nerves connecting to his heart and lungs.
He died shortly after an emergency operation, despite the surgeons’ best efforts.
Justyn Vicky tended to immediately
After the accident, Justyn was rushed to a local hospital with a broken neck and critical compression of vital nerves connecting to his heart and lungs.
He died shortly after an emergency operation, despite the surgeons’ best efforts.
More on Justyn Vicky's career
Justyn Vicky was well-known for the “love and passion” he put into his personal coaching.
As well as coaching and bodybuilding, the 33-year-old was also a nutritional advisor.
Where the tragedy took place
Vicky was exercising at The Paradise Gym on Jalan Danau Tamblingan, Sanur Bali, on Saturday morning, 15 July 2023.
He attempted to squat press a weight in excess of 460lbs, but the exercise went wrong.
In pictures: Bodybuilder and personal trainer Justyn Vicky
Fitness influencer Justyn Vicky has died aged 33 after a tragic accident at a gym as he attempted to squat-press 460lbs.
The bodybuilder, nutritional advisor, and personal trainer was strength-training at The Paradise Bali gym on July 15 when the mishap took place.
Those close to the late influencer have paid tribute to a ”dear friend."
Bodybuilder was attempting to squat 460lbs when the accident occurred
A Bali-based bodybuilder has died aged 33 after a routine squat in the gym went disastrously wrong.
Justyn Vicky, who was also a personal trainer, tragically died during a freak accident at the gym while performing a back squat.
According to reports, he was attempting to squat 460lbs when the accident occurred in Sanur, Bali.
More on the devastating tragedy, continued
As the influencer hits the floor, the stacked barbell comes crashing down onto the back of his neck, pushing his head forward at a gruesome angle.
He then drops backward to the floor in front of horrified gymgoers.
After the accident, Justyn was rushed to a local hospital with a broken neck and critical compression of vital nerves connecting to his heart and lungs.
He died shortly after an emergency operation, despite the surgeons' best efforts.
More on the devastating tragedy
The bodybuilder, nutritional advisor, and personal trainer was strength-training at The Paradise Bali gym on July 15 when the mishap took place.
Footage shows how the 33-year-old from East Java, Indonesia, grunts while trying to extend his legs as the heavy bar weighs down upon his shoulders.
As he struggles to stand upright, the lone spotter behind him is completely helpless as Justyn falls onto his bum seconds later.
Tributes pour in, continued
His friend Gede Sutarya told the Bali Express. “Vicky was a good person, polite, and sociable. He always shared knowledge about the gym.
"He also advised friends at the gym to be cautious and not exceed their capabilities during training.
"Only we ourselves can measure our own abilities. May Mas Vicky rest peacefully in the embrace of God and find a worthy place."
Tributes pour in
Justyn was well-known in Bali's bodybuilding community, who are now grieving his sudden loss.
The Paradise Bali gym later said in a tribute on social media: "To our dear Justyn, your impact on our lives is immeasurable.
"Your legacy will live on through the countless lives you've touched, the transformations you've inspired, and the love and passion you infused into every moment we spent together.
"Rest peacefully, dear friend. You will forever remain in our hearts."
Tributes pour in
Justyn was well-known in Bali's bodybuilding community, who are now grieving his sudden loss.
The Paradise Bali gym later said in a tribute on social media: "To our dear Justyn, your impact on our lives is immeasurable.
"Your legacy will live on through the countless lives you've touched, the transformations you've inspired, and the love and passion you infused into every moment we spent together.
"Rest peacefully, dear friend. You will forever remain in our hearts."
Bodybuilding community mourns
The bodybuilding community has suffered a difficult few months as multiple prominent names in the industry have died.
Popular bodybuilding influencer, Jo Lindner died on July 1 after reportedly having an aneurysm.
Bodybuilding legend Gustavo Badell, who competed in Mr. Olympia also died at the age of 50 just a few weeks ago.
Mourners shout their concerns for bodybuilders
The bodybuilding world has raised concerns over young people passing away too soon while doing what they love most.
It comes as the bodybuilding world has lost Justyn Vicky, the same month influencer Jo Lindner – also known as Joesthetics – passed away.
Lindner passed away after he had been complaining about neck pain for three days and then suffered an aneurysm.
Fans took to Twitter to voice their fears with one saying: “I don’t think I wanna be a bodybuilder anymore, yoh. The way these guys are being taken out.”
Another added: “Body builders need to start taking it easy. We haven’t recovered from losing Joesthetics. may their beautiful strong souls rest in peace.”
Friends pay tribute
Justyn was well-known in Bali’s bodybuilding community and they are grieving his loss.
His friend Gede Sutarya wrote: “Vicky was a good person, polite, and sociable. He always shared knowledge about the gym. He also advised friends at the gym to be cautious and not exceed their capabilities during training.
“Only we ourselves can measure our own abilities. May Mas Vicky rest peacefully in the embrace of God and find a worthy place.”
Justyn Vicky was rushed to hospital
Justyn Vicky broke his neck attempting to squat over 400lbs.
After the accident, Justyn was rushed to a local hospital with a broken neck and critical compression of vital nerves connecting to his heart and lungs.
He died shortly after an emergency operation, despite the surgeons’ best efforts.
Footage captured before accident
Footage shows how the 33-year-old from East Java, Indonesia, grunts while trying to extend his legs as the heavy bar weighs down upon his shoulders.
As he struggles to stand upright, the lone spotter behind him is completely helpless as Justyn falls onto his bum seconds later.
As the influencer hits the floor, the stacked barbell comes crashing down onto the back of his neck, pushing his head forward at a gruesome angle.
He then drops backwards to the floor in front of horrified gymgoers.