Working out can serve an array of functions, some of which include looking good and feeling strong. While many of us look forward to decompressing after a busy week of work, others train with a passion to push themselves in the gym. However, lifting heavy comes with its own set of risks and doesn’t always go according to plan even when a spotter is available. In sad news revealed by Bali Discovery, bodybuilder Justyn Vicky has passed away following a gruesome gym accident while squatting at a gym in Bali, Indonesia.
Training is encouraged for its wide-ranging health benefits. When you see results over time, achieving the pump can be an addictive and even enlightening process. Many of us like to test our limits with heavy weights, though it’s important to safeguard our bodies for the sake of injury prevention and longevity.
When it comes to taxing workouts, leg workouts are among the best. However, they come with risks. In Sep. 2021, powerlifting sensation Larry Wheels picked up a quad injury performing heavy squats on leg day.
Joseph Whittaker, a powerlifting veteran, had a close call squatting as well. He encountered problems trying to squat 400-kg (881.8-lb) in the training room. He appeared to struggle with the weight and rolled the barbell over his head to the front. Fortunately, his spotter jumped in quickly and helped him avoid a major injury.
Social media fitness influencer Bradley Martyn found himself on the wrong end of a gnarly gym accident last September. He was recording himself pressing a woman before she fell on his face. The fiasco resulted in Martyn needing a visit to the ER. He received 10 stitches inside his mouth.
Bodybuilder Dies of Neck Injuries after Gruesome Squat Blunder in Bali
Bodybuilder Justyn Vicky lost his life after suffering a horrific mishap in the gym in Bali, Indonesia. The 33-year-old was a popular figure in the local community and offered his expertise as a personal trainer and diet coach.
According to Bali Discovery, the incident took place at The Paradise Gym on Saturday morning, July 15. Vicky attempted to squat 180-kg (396.8-kg). He struggled to complete the exercise and fell to the front. The barbell rolled a bit forward on his shoulders, resulting in his neck and head snapping forward. Although he had a spotter behind him, it didn’t help. The spotter also didn’t appear to be in an ideal position to help with this accident.
Vicky was taken to a local hospital for emergency surgery and died shortly after from neck and spinal injuries. The cause of death is reportedly a broken neck.
Check out the video below:
YouTube star Darren Watkins Jr., popularly known as IShowSpeed, narrowly avoided injury on the bench press in a live stream earlier this year. He was stuck under the barbell while performing the exercise and had to slide the weight to one side to get out.
Bodybuilder Charles Griffen escaped a potentially serious chest injury while performing dumbbell bench presses three months ago. In the end, he suffered a torn pec and was sidelined for four to six weeks in recovery.
Deaths in bodybuilding have been all too common lately. Just in the span of a few months, three athletes have turned up dead. First, popular YouTube streamer Jo Lindner died at 30 years old. Then, Catalin Stefanescu passed away at 30 following a confusing boating trip where he drowned in a shallow river. Then, the community grieved the loss of prolific 2000s bodybuilder Gustavo Badell.
RELATED: Jay Cutler Talks About Competing vs Gustavo Badell & Longevity: “All My Markers Are Good”
No matter how confident you may feel lifting on your own, it’s always a smart idea to have a spotter assist you when lifting heavy. Our prayers and condolences go out to the family and friends of Justyn Vicky.
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As several others have already stated, this tragic event could’ve been easily prevented simply by squatting inside of the power rack with safety rails. This is pure speculation, but he may have opted to squat “outside” the rack in order to provide a better view from the camera.
My condolences to Justyn’s family and friends
Why do people bail the bar forward over the head? That makes no sense, you should let it slide backwards off of you, while hopping forward. I have had to do just that 3 or 4 times across a decade of lifting. It is jarring and embarassing but I came out no worse for wear.