Bi Jiaqi, a bodybuilding influencer, has died suddenly in his sleep at the age of 26. He passed away on Friday morning, only hours after speaking with friends online about plans for an upcoming bodybuilding competition.
In the days before his death, friends noticed that he did not seem well. They said his lips looked purple, his eyes appeared very tired, and the veins in his neck were unusually swollen. Earlier this month, Jiaqi also joked online that his head felt “swollen like a steamed bun.” At the time, these signs were thought to be normal effects of intense training.
Jiaqi was known for extreme workouts and strict competition preparation. Before bodybuilding events, athletes often reduce body fat and water levels to very low levels. Doctors warn that this practice can thicken the blood, strain the heart, and increase the risk of blood clots or sudden cardiac arrest.
Heart specialists explain that long-term high-intensity training, especially when combined with dehydration, places heavy stress on the cardiovascular system. Excessive exercise can be just as harmful as too little exercise.
The exact cause of Bi Jiaqi’s death has not yet been confirmed. An autopsy is planned. His sudden passing has shocked fans, many of whom believed he was in perfect health.