• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Generation Iron

Generation Iron Fitness & Strength Sports Network

  • Movies
  • Original Content
  • Reviews
    • Supplements
      • Pre-Workout
      • Fat Burners
      • Testosterone Boosters
      • Creatine
      • Protein
      • BCAAs
      • Multivitamins
      • Omega-3
      • Joint Supplements
      • Super Greens
      • Meal Replacement
    • Recovery
      • Best Cold Plunges
      • Best Saunas
      • Best Foam Rollers
      • Best Massage Guns
    • Programs
      • Best Online Workout Programs
      • Best Workout Streaming Services
      • Best Home Workout Programs
  • Equipment
    • Cardio
      • Treadmills
      • Best Exercise Bikes
      • Best Stair Climbers
    • Fitness Accessories
      • Best Apparel
      • Best Gym Bags
      • Weightlifting Shoes
    • Strength
      • Best Dumbbells
      • Best Barbells
      • Best Kettlebells
      • Best Squat Racks
      • Best Weightlifting Belts
      • Best Home Gym Equipment
      • Complete Home Gyms
    • Training
      • Best Knee Sleeves
      • Best Wrist Wraps
      • Best Weightlifting Wraps
      • Best Weightlifting Gloves
  • More
    • About Us
      • Our Team
      • Our Experts
    • Advertise
    • Franchise With Us
    • Exercise Guides
    • Athlete Profiles
    • Podcasts
    • Power 30
    • Bodybuilding Awards
    • Supplement Awards
  • Shop
News

Man Paralyzed After Horrific Gym Accident When Squat Lever Falls On Neck

by Greg Patuto Published on Aug 7, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure policy).

Regilaneo da Silva suffered a spinal cord injury when a squat lever landed on his neck in a Brazilian gym.

A 42-year-old man was left paralyzed and given a 1% chance of walking again after a machine in the gym malfunctioned and landed on his neck.

Regilaneo da Silva was resting between sets, sitting on the bench, when a lever holding 330 pounds collapsed and landed on his neck. The incident occurred in a gym in Juazeiro do Norte, Ceara. In the video, three men rush over to help da Silva, who underwent emergency surgery.

Da Silva was rushed to Santo Antonio Hospital for the emergency procedure. He remains in stable condition with mobility in his arms but not his legs. According to Brazilian News Outlet G1, Dr. Jose Correia gave da Silva a slim chance at walking again.

“It depends a lot on the degree of injury at first, the level of return of previous functions.

There are neither motor nor sensitive components, unfortunately. It is the most serious injury there is from the point of view of neurological damage. The chance is, statistically, less than 1% of the return of motor or sensitive functions.”

The machine was equipped with plates on each side and a lock in the center. It was to perform conventional squats on a machine rather than freestyle. The gym claimed that the machine was added less than 60 days ago.

Da Silva’s operation cost $7,000, which was split between the gym and family. The establishment has also set up an account on ‘Vakinha’ to raise money for da Silva’s recovery.

GRAVE – O motorista de aplicativo Regilaneo da Silva Inácio, 42, foi atingido nas costas por um aparelho de musculação que se desprendeu na academia e terá que passar por uma cirurgia. O caso aconteceu ontem (4) em Juazeiro do Norte, no Ceará. pic.twitter.com/QKN3iBaYXc

— ???????????????????????????????????????? ™️ (@inter_fatos) August 6, 2023

Trainer Dies In Tragic Accident

The incident involving Regilaneo da Silva comes shortly after a bodybuilder and fitness trainer passed away while attempting a heavy squat.

The incident occurred at The Paradise Bali, a fitness center located in Sanur on July 17, 2023. Justyn Vicky was a well-known trainer at the gym and was performing a routine workout at the time of his death. While attempting to perform a back squat, Vicky would end up suffering a severe neck injury that would claim his life. The whole incident was captured on video showing the tragic accident in full.

Justyn Vicky attempted a 210 kg back squat with a spotter present just behind him. While at the bottom of the lift, Vicky appeared to struggle with the immense weight on his shoulders. Vicky was unable to bail on the weight in time and eventually fell forward with the bar still across his back as it rolled onto the back of his neck. The immense weight of the bar severely injured the bodybuilder’s neck in the tragic accident.

For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About Greg Patuto

Greg has covered the four major sports for six years and has been featured on sites such as Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, SB Nation, NJ.com, and FanSided. Now, he is transitioning into the world of bodybuilding and strength sports.

View All Articles

Primary Sidebar

Get the Latest

Stay informed with the latest news, product reviews, & expert advice.

Popular Reviews

  • best protein powders

    The Best Protein Powder Supplements of 2025 (Tried and Tested)

  • Best Creatine Supplements For Bulking & Muscle Growth of 2025 (Personally Tested)

  • top x pre workout

    The 14 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of 2025 (MD Reviewed)

  • Performance Lab SPORT BCAA

    The Best BCAA For Bodybuilding Health & Performance Goals

Trending Articles

  • female fitness models

    18 Best Butts On The Internet (Updated 2024)

  • ronnie coleman the king workout

    Ronnie “The King” Coleman’s Complete Bodybuilding Workout

  • Chris bumstead's 2024 workout and diet plan

    Chris Bumstead’s 2025 Complete Bodybuilding Workout & Diet Plan

  • The Ultimate Mike Mentzer Workout and Diet

Popular Now

  • best protein powders

    The Best Protein Powder Supplements of 2025 (Tried and Tested)

  • Best Creatine Supplements For Bulking & Muscle Growth of 2025 (Personally Tested)

  • top x pre workout

    The 14 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of 2025 (MD Reviewed)

  • female fitness models

    18 Best Butts On The Internet (Updated 2024)

  • best citrulline supplements

    The Best Citrulline Malate Supplements for Performance and Pump

  • ronnie coleman the king workout

    Ronnie “The King” Coleman’s Complete Bodybuilding Workout

Generation Iron

Generation Iron is the first and only digital network delivering health, fitness, bodybuilding, and strength sports content. We deliver premium content with the biggest names in fitness and provide expert coverage, reviews on top brands, workout tips and trends in the worlds of fitness, health and strength sports.

Strongman Corporation
Vladar

Sections

  • Trending News
  • Original Movies
  • Original Content
  • Supplement Reviews
  • Equipment Reviews
  • Exercise Guides
  • Nutrition Guides
  • Athlete Profiles

More

  • About Us
  • Our Team
  • Our Experts
  • Advertise
  • Franchise With Us
  • Podcasts
  • Power 30
  • Shop

CONTACT

Generation Iron Brands LLC
134 West 29th Street Suite 902
New York, NY 10001
Email: [email protected]

Follow

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • X / Twitter
  • YouTube

© 2025 · Generation Iron · Disclaimers · Privacy Policy · Accessibility