A normal gym session ended in a fatal tragedy for the accomplished bodybuilder Juan Quintero. The 26-year-old Colombian suffered a hart attack that claimed his life.

Quintero collapsed while training at a Smart Fit Colombia gym in northwest Bogota. Witnesses said he fell to the floor without any warning during his workout. Efforts were also made to revive him via CPR for nearly 25 minutes inside the gym. 

But despite the long and intense effort, he life couldn't be saved. Smart Fit Colombia later released a statement confirming he suffered a sudden cardiorespiratory arrest.

The official report mentioned that "on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at our headquarters in the Plaza Imperial Shopping Center, located in the city of Bogotá, Mr. Juan Sebastián Anzola Quintero was training and suddenly suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest, a situation to which our team of certified first responders responded immediately and proceeded to provide the first aid that the protocol indicates for these cases, with resuscitation maneuvers and making use of the automated external defibrillator (AED)." 

They also stated that at the same time, first aid efforts were underway, and that the gym initiated its emergency procedures, including the arrival of the on-site response team. Despite these actions, the individual died before being transferred for additional medical treatment.

“Smart Fit Colombia deeply regrets the passing of Mr. Anzola and extends its sincerest condolences to his family, loved ones, and friends,” they added. 

However, in spite of Smart Fit Colombia's release, a close friend of Quintero,  Andrés Montoya,  publicly raised concerns about how the emergency was handled at the gym. 

Andrés Montoya Raises Concern Over Juan Sebastián Anzola Quintero’S Demise

Montoya's remarks following the demise of Quintero, highlighted his disappointment with Smart Fit Colombia's alleged "negligence" towards the situation. He said, "It really hurts me to see that [Quintero's demise], due to Smart Fit's negligence in not having trained personnel for these types of situations and the appropriate equipment.”

A key part of his complaint centers on the alleged delay in transport. Witnesses say roughly 25 to 30 minutes elapsed before permission was given to move him to Suba Hospital, located less than two blocks away. Montoya claimed gym personnel declined to transfer him, stating they needed authorization from the proper authorities first.

The situation escalated when a National Police officer arrived and reportedly clarified that, because it was a medical emergency rather than a crime scene, the victim could be taken immediately to a hospital for advanced resuscitation. (via Generation Iron)

Quintero’s life extended far beyond the gym floor. He was a Classic Physique bodybuilder who won five competitions, a nutrition supplement business owner, and a trained fitness coach. His passing comes shortly after the death of IFBB Pro Jason Lowe, adding to rising concerns about athlete health and safety in bodybuilding.

Written by

Mohd Mudabbir Ansari

Edited by

Souvik Roy