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He had previously called the barbell squat "one of the most dangerous" exercises.
Indonesian bodybuilder Justyn Vicky amassed an Instagram following of more than 35,000 by sharing his health tips and workout videos to fans around the world. While getting a workout in at Paradise Bali gym on July 15, however, the athlete was doing squat presses when the exercise turned deadly.
With the help of a spotter, Vicky had attempted a 450 pound squat press when the bar fell forward onto his neck, pulling his head forward then snapping it back. According to The Daily Mail, the barbell caused a broken neck and critical compression of vital nerves connecting to his heart and lungs. He underwent an emergency operation but died shortly after at the age of 33.
In a tragic case of foreshadowing, Vicky posted a video on July 5, in which he attempted the same squat that led to his fatal injury. He called it "one of the most dangerous" exercises but noted that when "done properly, a barbell squat is capable of producing degrees of muscle mass increase that cannot be produced by any other exercise."
Our hearts go out to Vicky's loved ones as they cope with this sudden, unexpected loss.