Illia ‘Golem’ Yefimchyk, the world’s ‘most monstrous bodybuilder,’ dies at 36
Belarussian bodybuilder Illia ‘Golem’ Yefimchyk, known as the world’s “most monstrous bodybuilder,” has tragically passed away at the age of 36. Yefimchyk reportedly suffered a heart attack and was admitted to the hospital on September 6. After falling into a coma, he passed away on September 11.
Nicknamed “The Mutant” due to his massive 6-foot, 340-pound frame, Yefimchyk had gained widespread recognition in the fitness world. His wife, Anna, told The New York Post that his heart began beating heavily before he was rushed to the hospital. While waiting for the ambulance, Anna performed chest compressions to try and save him.
Despite some signs of recovery, doctors informed Anna that Yefimchyk’s brain had stopped functioning. “I spent every day with him, hoping for recovery,” Anna shared. After his death, she expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support: “It is very heartwarming to realize that I am not left alone in this world, and so many people have offered me help and support.”
A towering figure in the fitness community
Yefimchyk maintained his gigantic physique through a rigorous daily diet of up to 16,500 calories, including over five pounds of steak and more than 100 pieces of sushi across seven meals. Despite his impressive stature and training, Yefimchyk never competed in professional bodybuilding events but was immensely popular on social media, where he shared his workout routines with millions of followers.
His lifting stats were equally impressive, boasting a 600-pound bench press, 700-pound deadlift, and 700-pound squats. These feats earned him recognition among fitness enthusiasts and professional bodybuilders alike.
Growing concern over heart-related deaths in bodybuilding
Yefimchyk’s death is the latest in a series of heart-related fatalities among bodybuilders. British bodybuilder Neil Currey, 34, and Brazilian competitor Antonio Souza, 26, also passed away in 2023. Currey’s parents linked his death to prolonged steroid use, while Souza died from cardiac arrest shortly after competing in a bodybuilding competition.
Heart problems, especially among bodybuilders, are increasingly being linked to the use of anabolic steroids. Studies have shown that long-term steroid use can lead to severe cardiovascular complications, raising concerns about the health risks associated with the sport.