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.
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Justyn's final Instagram post
Justyn's final Instagram post before his tragic death highlighted the benefits of ice baths.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Credit: @justynvickybali_island/CEN 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.
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.
Credit: @justynvickybali_island/CEN 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.
Justyn was full of ‘positive vibes’
Fans of the fitness influencer have flocked to his Instagram to honor him after his death.
One fan 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.”
Another added: “Rest in peace brother.”
Tips for practicing safe weightlifting
It’s important to practice safe weightlifting in the gym.
Below are some tips to stay safe while still pushing your body:
- 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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
More tips for safe bodybuilding training
There’s no such thing as being too safe, that’s why here are some more tips to practise save 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.
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.
Bodybuilder was attempting to squat 460lbs when the accident occurred
The Bali-based bodybuilder 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.
Paradise Bali pays tribute, concluded
The gym concluded: “Today, as we bid farewell to our dear Justyn let us remember him as an extraordinary soul who dedicated his life to improving ours.
“Let us honor his memory by continuing to embrace the values and lessons he imparted upon us: to strive for our goals, to lift each other up, and to cherish the gift of health.”
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."
Paradise Bali pays tribute, part two
The tribute continued: “Every session with Justyn felt like much more than just exercise. He created a nurturing environment where we felt safe to challenge ourselves, both physically and mentally.
“His belief in our potential pushed us beyond our limits, empowering us to discover newfound strength and resilience within ourselves.”
“Beyond the gym, Justyn was a friend, and a source of unwavering support. His warm smile and genuine interest in our lives made us feel seen and valued.
“He celebrated our triumphs, listened to our struggles, and reminded us that we were never alone in our journey towards better health and well-being.
Paradise Bali pays tribute
The gym that Justyn Vicky frequented has posted a tribute in honor of the late fitness influencer.
The tribute included a photo of Justyn at the gym and the caption read: “Today, we gather to celebrate the incredible life of our beloved personal trainer and friend, Justyn.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of his passing, and yet, our spirits are lifted by the profound impact he had on each and every one of us.”
“Justyn was more than just a fitness expert; he was a beacon of inspiration, motivation, and unwavering support. His infectious energy and genuine passion for helping others transform their lives touched us deeply.
“Through countless workouts, words of encouragement, and compassionate guidance, he became an irreplaceable part of our fitness journeys and our gym family.
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.
Credit: @justynvickybali_island/CEN
Justyn was full of ‘positive vibes’
Fans reacted to Justyn Vicky’s death on some of the comments on his posts.
They’re devastated by the news that he passed away.
One fan 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.”
Another added: “Rest in peace brother.”
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.
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.
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.”