A metal barbell that was being lifted by a gym trainer and weighed more than 100 kg dropped and broke his neck, killing him.
The 27-year-old Chinese man passed away as a result of having his neck crushed between the weights’ shaft and the exercise bench he was using.
The horrific incident was caught on camera.
The victim, now known as Xiao Hou, was in the Chinese province of Henan when the incident occurred.
A clip of the man bench pressing the excessive weight for 29 seconds may be seen. No spotter was available for him.
In the distressing video, which local websites have posted, the 27-year-old is shown struggling to lift the barbell over his chest before attempting to rack it on the J-hook.
The bar, which had 50 kg on each side, suddenly fell from his chest to his neck as his arms gave up. His head was pinned to the bench he was lying on.
Before his body falls slack, he furiously struggles to release himself for around 25 seconds. He is seen in the video experiencing some strong spasms at one point.
The victim’s friends and family verified the tragedy.
Zhao, the gym manager, said that Xiao Hou had previously worked there as a fitness instructor. Zhao claimed that Xiao Hou was obnoxious about working out and put it ahead of other aspects of his life, including his romantic relationships.
He is believed to have worked as a personal trainer at the gym for almost four years before switching to another job. He nevertheless kept going to the gym centre every day.
Zhao stated that Xiao Hou would work out alone and kept a key that allowed him to enter the gym before it opened. After entering the gym, he discovered the 27-year-old pinned by the barbell. Xiao Hou was taken to a hospital right away but passed away.