The bodybuilding world has lost a prominent figure with the death of Illia “Golem” Yefimchyk, widely known for his impressive physique and engaging social media presence. Yefimchyk passed away on September 8 at the age of 36, his wife, Anna Yefimchyk, confirmed to local media outlets.
Yefimchyk, a Belarusian bodybuilder celebrated for his extraordinary size and strength, suffered a heart attack on September 6. According to 7 News, his wife performed CPR until emergency services arrived. He was subsequently transported by helicopter to a clinic. Despite initial hopes, Yefimchyk’s condition did not improve, and he was pronounced dead two days later.
“I spent every day by his side, hoping,” Anna Yefimchyk told local reporters. “His heart started beating again for two days, but the doctor gave me the terrible news that his brain had died.”
In the wake of his passing, Anna expressed gratitude for the support she has received from Illia’s fans. “It’s very heartwarming to realize that I am not left alone in this world, and so many people have offered me help and support,” she said.
Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 340 pounds, Yefimchyk was renowned for his 25-inch biceps and his engaging social media content. Known affectionately as the “most monstrous bodybuilder” and “The Mutant,” he frequently shared insights into his intense diet and training regimen with his followers.
Yefimchyk’s daily routine was notable for its extreme nature. He documented consuming 20 protein shakes a day, a 103-piece sushi boat, and maintaining a staggering 16,500-calorie diet. Additionally, he was open about his use of supplements, growth hormones, and steroids, topics he discussed extensively on his YouTube and Instagram accounts. His online presence garnered him a substantial following, with more than 300,000 followers keeping track of his fitness journey.
On September 10, Anna Yefimchyk shared her grief on Instagram, reflecting on their eight years of marriage. “We have been inseparable all these 8 years and lived together an incredible experience that few people manage to survive even in a hundred years,” she wrote. “My heart is broken into a thousand pieces. This is an unbearable pain. Life changes in a second.”
ADVERTISEMENT
She also posted a poignant black-and-white photo of her late husband, with a heartfelt caption that read, “Farewell to my superhero… love you.”
Yefimchyk’s death has been met with an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow bodybuilders, who remember him not only for his impressive physique but also for his charismatic and approachable personality. His passing marks a significant loss for the bodybuilding community, which is mourning the loss of one of its most distinctive and influential figures.
