Bodybuilder Gabriel Ganley died at the age of 22 due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), G1 Globo reported while citing his death certificate.
HCM is “a disease in which the heart muscle becomes thickened, also called hypertrophied. The thickened heart muscle can make it harder for the heart to pump blood,” according to mayoclinic.org.
The website further stated many with symptoms are not aware they have HCM due to a lack of symptoms, and it can lead to changes in the heart’s electrical system.
“These changes can result in life-threatening irregular heartbeats or sudden death,” the article states.
Ganley, who had 2.4 million Instagram followers, was found face-down in his Sao Paulo apartment Saturday, with potential anabolic steroids near him, according to cnnbrasil.com.
A friend discovered Ganley unresponsive after the apartment’s staffers help him enter unit since he had not heard from the late bodybuilder for two days, per the Sao Paulo Public Security Secretariat (SSP).
It’s not known when he exactly died, and the case has been labeled “suspicious death – sudden death.”
“No apparent signs of violence were found at the scene,” the SSP said in its initial statement.
A forensics team discovered potential anabolic steroids and several medications, NCS Total reported while citing the police report.
No official cause of death has been given, but the forensics team seized several medications from the apartment, including possible anabolic steroids, NCS Total reported, citing the police report.
The SSP said it was awaiting the forensics report before announcing an official case of death, G1 Globo reported Tuesday.
Ganley, who went by the nickname “Bbzinho (little baby),” had been preparing for a major Brazilian bodybuilding competition, Musclecontest Brazil, in July.
He routinely posted photos from his workouts across his social media channels, including an Instagram selfie showing off his quads in his last Instagram post from May 22.
One of his sponsors released a message after his sudden death.
“Today, the pain speaks louder (…) we lost much more than a talented and dedicated athlete with a bright future ahead. We lost a sports influencer who inspired thousands of young people daily with his energy, discipline, and authenticity,” Integral Medica, a protein supplement brand, said in a release.
“Ganley left his mark wherever he went. His charisma, his presence, and his passion for life will remain alive in the memories of all who had the privilege of knowing him and walking alongside him.”
