Chuck Kirkendall, the 50-year-old bodybuilder and social media star known globally as Kali Muscle, has been admitted to hospital in California following a medical emergency during a gym session.
Details of the Medical Scare
According to a report from TMZ, Kirkendall lost consciousness while training and required urgent medical attention. His wife, Croatian YouTuber Helena Vladisavljević Kirkendall, confirmed the incident to the publication.
She also disclosed that the fitness icon has a significant cardiac history, having suffered a heart attack in the past. Following that event, a stent was fitted to aid his blood flow. The precise cause of his latest health scare remains under investigation.
A Prominent Figure in Fitness and Media
Kirkendall is a well-known figure beyond the bodybuilding world. He has built a substantial online following, with a YouTube channel boasting 3.9 million subscribers.
His commercial reach extends to major brands; he has featured in advertisements for Taco Bell and Geico. He has also appeared in music videos for artists including country singer Jamey Johnson and rapper Kendrick Lamar.
Community Reaction and a Troubling Trend
News of his hospitalisation has sparked an outpouring of concern from his fanbase across social media platforms. Supporters have flooded his pages with messages wishing him a speedy recovery.
One concerned follower commented, "Hope he's getting proper medical guidance," adding, "intense routines can sometimes overlook the body's signals." Another poignant message read, "We can't afford to lose another childhood bodybuilding icon."
This incident casts a spotlight on the wider issue of health within the bodybuilding community, which has been marred by several tragic losses in recent months:
- Arlindo de Souza ('Brazilian Popeye'), 55, died after years of injecting mineral oil and alcohol.
- Jodi Vance, 20, passed away in April reportedly from severe dehydration.
- Vittorio 'Vito' Pirbazari died in May, followed by Colombian bodybuilder Zunilda Hoyos Mendez in June and Spain's Lorena Blanco in July.
- Hayley McNeff, 37, died in August with multiple drugs found in her system post-mortem.
- Brazilian champion Ricardo 'Kadu' Nolasco dos Santos, 31, died from a stroke in October.
- Chinese bodybuilder Wang Kun died in December from a suspected heart-related issue.
The community now anxiously awaits further updates on Kali Muscle's condition, hoping for positive news amidst this concerning pattern.
