Story By Marija Stojkoska
News Editor Ajda Ender
A bodybuilder has died at the age of 35 after suffering a medical emergency at home just hours after sharing photos of his final preparations for an upcoming competition.
Bodybuilder Mailson Araujo, 35, poses in undated photo. He died after falling ill at home on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Alagoinhas, Brazil. Note: Private picture. (@mailsonaraujopro, Newsflash/NX)
Mailson Araujo Santos, who was also an active gospel singer, died in the city of Alagoinhas, in the interior of Bahia State, Brazil, on the night of 13th July.
Bodybuilder Mailson Araujo, 35, poses in undated photo. He died after falling ill at home on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Alagoinhas, Brazil. Note: Private picture. (@mailsonaraujopro, Newsflash/NX)
The professional Men’s Physique athlete had been preparing to compete in the Musclecontest Brazil 2026, a major qualifying event for the international Mr Olympia competition, which was due to take place in Curitiba, Parana State, on 15th July.
Bodybuilder Mailson Araujo, 35, poses in undated photo. He died after falling ill at home on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Alagoinhas, Brazil. Note: Private picture. (@mailsonaraujopro, Newsflash/NX)
Hours before he fell ill, Mailson had posted images showing his gym workout and a physiotherapy session as part of his preparation for the event.
Bodybuilder Mailson Araujo, 35, poses in undated photo. He died after falling ill at home on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Alagoinhas, Brazil. Note: Private picture. (@mailsonaraujopro, Newsflash/NX)
According to his family, Mailson suddenly became unwell inside his home and managed to call his parents for help.
Bodybuilder Mailson Araujo, 35, poses in undated photo. He died after falling ill at home on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Alagoinhas, Brazil. Note: Private picture. (@mailsonaraujopro, Newsflash/NX)
His mother, who works as a nursing technician, immediately began performing resuscitation attempts while emergency help was called.
Bodybuilder Mailson Araujo, 35, poses in undated photo. He died after falling ill at home on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Alagoinhas, Brazil. Note: Private picture. (@mailsonaraujopro, Newsflash/NX)
The family home was located directly opposite a fire station, allowing firefighters to quickly respond and continue the rescue efforts.
Bodybuilder Mailson Araujo, 35, poses in undated photo. He died after falling ill at home on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Alagoinhas, Brazil. Note: Private picture. (@mailsonaraujopro, Newsflash/NX)
During the rush to get help, Mailson collapsed on the pavement near the fire station headquarters.
Bodybuilder Mailson Araujo, 35, poses in undated photo. He died after falling ill at home on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Alagoinhas, Brazil. Note: Private picture. (@mailsonaraujopro, Newsflash/NX)
Firefighters immediately took over the emergency response, and a team from the Mobile Emergency Care Service was also called.
Bodybuilder Mailson Araujo, 35, poses in undated photo. He died after falling ill at home on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Alagoinhas, Brazil. Note: Private picture. (@mailsonaraujopro, Newsflash/NX)
Despite the attempts to revive him, Mailson died at the scene. The cause of death had not been officially released.
Bodybuilder Mailson Araujo, 35, poses in undated photo. He died after falling ill at home on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Alagoinhas, Brazil. Note: Private picture. (@mailsonaraujopro, Newsflash/NX)
Mailson was a well-known figure in Bahia’s bodybuilding community and had built a following of more than 32,000 people on social media.
He regularly shared his training routines, diet and competition preparations with followers.
Beyond bodybuilding, Mailson was also an active singer who performed at a local evangelical church in Alagoinhas.
The athlete gained national recognition after earning his professional card in 2023 by winning the overall amateur division at the Arnold Classic South America competition in São Paulo.
He later achieved several podium finishes in professional competitions and was working towards securing his first professional title.
His death sparked an outpouring of grief among followers, with many paying tribute to the athlete online.
User ‘@maikionopro’ wrote: “You will be greatly missed! Because good people like you will be sorely missed in this world! Rest in peace, brother! May God comfort your family!”
Meanwhile, ‘@hallanraphael’ said: “Go with God, my brother. I still can’t believe it. We talked so much on Saturday, you were happy and confident for the next championship. Rest in peace.”
Mailson’s funeral was held at the Lar Sao Francisco in Alagoinhas, and he was buried at Jardim Paraiso da Saudade Cemetery on 14th July.
(Marija Stojkoska/Newsflash)
