While the concept of trying one rep max for compound movements like bench presses, deadlifts, and squats can surely be fun, these movements also carry along with them a huge amount of risk if not implemented properly. Adding to this list of traumatic deaths that happened in 2023, another piece of news from Wuhan reveals the death of a 25-year-old man who was pinned in the neck while attempting a whopping 275 lbs on a bench press.

The man under the bar was Mr. Zhang, who was benching without a spotter by his side. As the incident took place in a local gym in Wuhan, many from the fitness and bodybuilding community expressed their grief over the situation. Among these people was also IFBB pro coach, Greg Doucette, who made a video about the same in order to educate the audience about the importance of using safety bars as well as having a spotter.

Greg Doucette gives his two cents on the tragic incident

Greg Doucette has been lifting since his teenage years. Having competed in both powerlifting and bodybuilding, Doucette has enough knowledge and experience when it comes to powerlifting. In his video, he explained the importance of having a spotter while attempting bench press. In the absence of a spotter, he suggests using safety bars. Talking about the tragic incident, however, Doucette started the video by giving a disclaimer.

“Warning: graphic details. Do not watch this video if you’re squeamish. This is a very tragic death, very scary, and so please don’t watch this video if you don’t want to see anything tragic,” Doucette stated. Later in the video, Greg also pointed out, “In this case, there was nothing he could do. The weight far exceeded his capacity to push it up. He wasn’t even close. You saw him try to lift the weight up, but it wasn’t close.”

This is not the first time that Doucette has made such videos. Creators like Doucette keep making content to ensure such tragedies do not happen. Unfortunately, a few months before this, another man faced the wrath of heavy weight as he lost his life attempting a squat PR.

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Another lifter gone too soon

At the age of 33, Indonesian bodybuilder Justyn Vicky faced a terrific accident a few months ago, which resulted in his death. With an impressive 462.97 lbs on the barbell, the failed squat attempt shed light on the importance of getting a good spotter as well as lifting weights wisely. According to a report by Bali Discovery, “Vicky failed to complete the lift and fell forward, cascading the weight bar off his shoulders and snapping his neck and head forward.”

Coming across the video, Doucette reacted to it by stating, “Ultimately, I don’t like to have to say this, but I do believe that this is ego-lifting gone wrong. I preach over and over in videos and on my Instagram to avoid ego lifting in the gym, and because of ego lifting, this is the tragic accident that occurred.”

Incidents like this act as a wake-up call. The weights are not supposed to be messed with. May Mr. Zhang’s soul rest in peace.

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