Horrifying CCTV footage showing the moment a man drops a heavy barbell onto his chest at the gym, devastatingly ending his life, has emerged.
Brazilian man, Ronald Montenegro, was lifting weights when the piece of gym equipment slipped out of his hands and crashed onto his chest.
Fellow gymgoers quickly rushed to the 55-year-old’s aid, but despite initially getting out from underneath the bar, he was seen collapsing to the ground seconds later.
The museum manager was rushed to hospital, but doctors reportedly could not do anything to save the “much-loved” dad, and he later succumbed to his injuries, The Sun reports.
Montenegro’s life was cut short in the freak accident, which unfolded on Monday at the fitness facility where he was a regular in Olinda, on Brazil’s northeast coast near the city of Recife.
His place of work, the Palacio dos Bonecos Gigantes museum, confirmed the tragedy in a statement alongside a photo of Montenegro and a black ribbon.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald Montenegro, our president and an indispensable figure in the history and construction of the Palacio dos Bonecos,” the announcement read, according to Mail Online.
Police opened an investigation into the shock incident but have already concluded it was an accident, the publication said.
The gym, RW Academia, also posted a tribute on its social media.
“It is with deep sadness and dismay that RW Academia expresses its solidarity with the passing of our student Ronald Jose Salvador,” it read.
“The entire team provided immediate assistance, promptly calling for specialised help. Despite all efforts, we received the news of his passing with immense sorrow.
“We extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends, wishing them strength and comfort at this time of immeasurable grief. Ronald Jose Salvador will always be remembered with respect and affection by all who were part of his journey in our community.”
Footage filmed in the gym has since been shared online, with many horrified at just how quickly the accident took his life, as others expressed concerns that it appeared to show Montenegro was working out alone.
“This is why its so important to have a spotter! Poor man, I feel so bad that happened to him,” shared one.
“Dang. Life changed in a matter of seconds,” noted another.
A relative who asked not to be identified told Brazilian media Montenegro was a regular at the gym and trained to keep fit.
“This is a workout that requires a trainer,” he said, according to the Express.
“In the video, you can see that he is fine, that he even does a session, warms up his arms to do it again, and when he sits down, he can’t do it and the bar slips.
“What we want is for gyms to look at the issue of prevention in relation to this equipment. Trainers cannot let students do it on their own, even if they know how to do the movement.”
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