Bodybuilder, 28, collapses and dies from heart attack during brutal workout in gym

A 28-year-old bodybuilder collapsed and died in front of his friends while they were all working out.

Brazilian man Jose Mateus Correia Silva had previously competed in bodybuilding competitions and was well liked in the community.

His death came as a shock, most notably to his friends who were with him when he suffered a heart attack.

Jose was working out at the gym with his friend in Aguas Claras, Brasilia, when he collapsed.

He was immediately rushed to a nearby fire station by a firefighter pal, in hopes of reviving him, but after an hour, attempts proved to be unsuccessful.

It is still not clear what caused the heart attack that took the young man’s life.

While tributes have been flooding in online for the fitness enthusiast, some on social media have alleged steroids contributed to the bodybuilder’s death. However, there is no evidence at this point that suggests that is the case.

Tributes have been flooding in online for Jose (Facebook)

His brother Tiago has also spoken to local media about his brother’s death and insisted he did not have any health issues and was in good shape.

Speaking of his brother, he added: “You were incredible. Thank you for so much. I love you.

“Heaven has gained an angel. Jose was a much-loved man.”

Jose’s funeral was attended by hundreds of people, so many in fact that mourners were spilling out of the service.

Tiago commented: “There were so many people they couldn’t fit inside the chapel.

“We had an evangelical ceremony and a Catholic one. It wasn’t a sad ceremony although there was a lot of emotion.”

Jose was not competing in competitions at the time of his death, but was reportedly working out to keep himself busy.

Jose's funeral had hundreds of people in attendance (Facebook)

The trained lawyer was well-liked as he would also help prepare other bodybuilders for events.

A similar story also came out of Brazil a few months prior with a 26-year-old bodbuilder dying.

Antônio Souza had only begun participating in contests five years ago and hoped it would allow him to find a better way to provide for his mother and sister.

On August 3, ahead of competing at the Navega Open in Santa Catarina, Souza had told his wife, Yone Silva, that he had a ‘strong pain feeling in his chest’.

Finishing in the top three in his category, he was able to win a trophy - but while on stage, he reportedly suffered cardiac arrest.

Doctors attempted to attend to him at the event, but he was unable to be resuscitated.