Netflix star dies aged 44 after collapsing on treadmill in gym

A bodybuilder and Netflix star has died while running on a treadmill. Vittorio Pirbazari, 44 appeared in shows like Netflix's of Berlin.

He is said to have collapsed and died in a gym while running on a treadmill. His death was announced by actor and filmmaker Said Ibrahim on yesterday. He paid tribute to Vittorio, whom he said he had met two years ago while working on a film together.

Said began by saying: "I don't know how to start this video." He went on to suggest that although Vito had "a lot of muscles" and looked "dangerous," he had a "soft heart." He told fans: "Vito had a soft heart like a ten-year-old, I swear to you."

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He later shared: "I got the sad news that he passed away yesterday and that really knocked me down and threw me completely off track [...] I wish the family a lot of strength. I wish his friends a lot of strength." Said added that he was "simply stunned".

Said later appeared to suggest that the fitness star died of a heart attack whilst on a treadmill, though this is yet to be confirmed by German police.

Vittorio had uploaded a selfie of himself on Instagram just days before the news of his death was shared. He showcased his physique in the photo after having taken a break from exercise for a period of time following an injury.

He said last week: "Here's my current shape after 12 weeks without exercise or major physical activity. Of course, it's no comparison to before, but I'm on the right track given the circumstances. My torn chest is sagging a bit, of course."

Vittorio added in the post: "I haven't been able to do much exercise-wise in the last 3 months, but I've stuck to my diet rigidly. Unfortunately, I've lost a lot of muscle, but it will all come back when I can get back on track in the fall."

He went on to tell his followers: "For now, I'm just happy to be back in the gym and am putting all my focus on leg training and cardio. I'm currently trying intervals on the treadmill, but since my legs aren't fully healed yet, I'm taking it slow. The only thing that's important to me right now is not to give up and let go, and to get better day by day, week by week."

In January, he had shared with fans that he had experienced a pectoral muscle tear, with him posting about having the pectoral muscle reattached at the time. More recently, he stated that he was preparing to have his second pectoral muscle surgery in May this year.

He shared in a post on March 23: "I'm feeling really good at the moment, and this week I'll slowly head back to the gym. First, some cardio, and if that goes smoothly, then slowly some leg training. It's been a good 12 weeks since I last worked out, and I really miss it.."

Before his death, he also suffered a near-fatal car accident. Pirbazari survived the ordeal, but suffered a fractured vertebra, tissue damage, and both of his legs required stitches.

Following the news, the fitness experts Instagram filled up with tributes from shocked fans.

The star shot to fame as part of the Hardgainer Crew - a group of YouTuber fitness influencers. While his own channel had over 200,000 subscribers. Despite his fame and popularity, Vittorio quit his channel a few years ago but continued to seek fame through shows including 2018 hit Dogs of Berlin.

He gained notoriety when a photo of him in his role of Daher Tarik speakign to police officers went viral.

He leaves behind his girlfriend and young son, who was born in 2020.

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