Yashtika Acharya was attempted a 270kg squat when the weight collapsed.
Powerlifter Yashtika Acharya tragically died last week after attempting a 270kg squat in the gym when the weight collapsed on her neck after taking it off the rack.
Acharya, a 17-year-old powerlifting champion, was seen in a video attempting to move the weight off the rack when her knees began to buckle. She was under the guidance of a spotter but fell backwards and the weight came down on her neck as she hit the ground.
According to The Week, Acharya was declared dead after being rushed to the hospital. The incident occurred last Tuesday at a gym in the Bikaner district of Rajasthan, which is close to India’s border of Pakistan. Vikram Tiwari, a local officer, spoke on the incident:
“During the attempt, she suddenly lost balance and the bar came crashing down on her neck. Fellow gym members quickly rushed to remove the weight, while her coach tried CPR but she showed no signs of life.”
Yashtika Acharya won gold in the National Bench Press Championship in the southern Indian state of Goa in October. She was a well-known powerlifter that has reached great heights in local competitions.
The tragedy surrounding Acharya comes after an unfortunate string of sudden deaths in the sport of bodybuilding. Last week, bodybuilder Grishall Disner was found dead in a bar in Mexico City after being shot twice.
Disner, a 23-year-old champion bodybuilder, left his table at Kows Bar to go to the bathroom. Reports say that others at the bar heard two gun shots and rushed to the bathroom where Disner was found with two bullet wounds. The bar was cleared shortly after as police began investigating the scene.
A post shared on social media by Gym Legends sent out a safety message for gym goers:
“Safety should always come first, especially during workouts. Always ensure you use proper equipment, follow correct techniques, and have a spotter or trainer present when lifting heavy weights. Accidents can happen in seconds, but taking precautions can save lives. Stay safe, stay strong, and prioritize your well-being.”
Generation Iron sends condolences to family and friend during this time. For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
