Major update after bodybuilder died suddenly in gym shower and wasn't found for over 15 hours

vt-author-image

By James Kay

Article saved!Article saved!

There has been a major development in the investigation regarding a bodybuilder who suddenly died in a gym shower.

As previously reported, 33-year-old Giuliano Pirone collapsed in the shower of a 24-hour gym and went unnoticed for 15 hours.

Screenshot 2024-09-16 at 15.00.21.jpgPirone passed away at a 24-hour gym. Credit: GoFundMe

Pirone, a bodybuilder from Perth, Australia, was preparing for an upcoming bodybuilding competition when the tragic incident occurred.

According to News.com.au, Pirone collapsed in the shower cubicle of a local gym, where his body remained under cold running water until emergency services were able to trace his phone.

Pirone was eventually rushed to Joondalup Hospital, where he remained in critical condition for several weeks before passing away in early September.

His mother, Daniela Pirone, questioned how her son could remain undiscovered for such an extended period and is calling for an official investigation into the gym’s protocols.

"If he was found earlier, he would still be here," Daniela stated in an interview with ABC Radio Perth.

She also raised concerns about the gym's safety measures, asking why no staff member checked on her son, who was also a father.

"He could have been called over the speaker, or even phoned to ask if he forgot to check out," Daniela added.


Pirone was first reported missing by his family after he failed to return home from work on the day of the incident.

Police were able to track his location by pinging his phone, leading them to the tragic discovery in the gym's showers.

In her emotional interview, Daniela shared memories of her son, recalling him as someone "full of life" and fearless, living by the motto of doing everything he wanted to.

"He did everything he wanted to – that was his motto, really," she said.

The grieving mother also tearfully described her final moments with her son, who never regained consciousness.

“He never tightened my hand or spoke to me again,” Daniela recalled.

“I looked into his eyes, but he probably didn’t see me. I hope he heard and saw me … at least I had his warm hand on my face.”

In a major update, WorkSafe WA confirmed on Tuesday that it is investigating the gym to determine if it breached its duty of care to Pirone, per the Daily Mail.

Doctors believe Pirone’s collapse may have been triggered by extremely low blood sugar levels and a drop in blood pressure, which could have led to a seizure, his family previously told ABC Radio.

Screenshot2024-09-16at15.02.42.jpegMoney is being raised for Giuliano's three-year-old daughter. Credit: GoFundMe

CCTV footage reportedly captured Pirone on a treadmill, showing signs of distress before the collapse.

"He staggers to the showers, holding his stomach," his mother, Daniela Pirone, said. "[He] must have just locked himself in, felt hot, turned the cold water on and bang, he collapsed."

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Pirone's three-year-old daughter.

Pirone's sister, Rosa Ostapenko, paid tribute to her brother through the fundraiser, describing him as “the light as soon as he walked through any door.”

Featured image credit: GoFundMe