Huge Netflix star dies aged 44 after collapsing on treadmill in gym

Bodybuilder and star Vittorio Pirbazari has died aged 44, his friend has confirmed. Vittorio, who starred in hit series Dogs of Berlin, tragically died while reportedly running on a treadmill at the gym. The news of his sudden death was shared by actor and filmmaker Said Ibrahim on Instagram yesterday, although the exact details surrounding his passing are yet to be confirmed.

Said told the camera: "I don't know how to start this video [...] Vito had a soft heart like a ten-year-old, I swear to you." He went on to share: "I got the sad news that he passed away yesterday and that really knocked me down and threw me completely off track [...] I wish the family a lot of strength I wish his friends a lot of strength. [...] I am simply stunned." He also appeared to suggest in the video that Vito had a heart attack whilst on a treadmill, though this is yet to be confirmed.

Just days before his untimely death, Vittorio had posted a selfie on , proudly displaying his muscular physique. Earlier this year, he revealed that he had suffered a pectoral muscle tear and informed his followers that he would undergo surgery to reattach the muscle.

He had been sharing his healing journey with his 91,000 followers, but a near-fatal car accident had set him back after he suffered a fraxtured vertebra, tissue damage and injuries to his legs.

Following a 3-month break from the gym, Vittorio shared a picture just a day before he died. He penned: "My current form after 12 weeks without exercise or much exercise. Of course, it's no comparison to before, but I'm on the right track given the circumstances'.

"Unfortunately, I've put on a lot of muscle, but that'll all come back when I can get going again,' he said.

"I'm happy to be back in the gym at all and am focusing entirely on leg training and cardio. I'm trying intervals on the treadmill right now, but since my legs aren't 100% healed yet, I'm taking it slowly.

"The only thing that's important to me right now is not to give up and to let go, and to get better day by day, week by week. Have a nice Sunday friends."

Following the tragic news, his Instagram was flooded with tributes from stunned fans.

The star rose to prominence as part of the Hardgainer Crew - a group of YouTuber fitness influencers. His personal channel boasted over 200,000 subscribers.

Despite his fame and popularity, Vittorio stepped away from his channel a few years ago but continued to pursue fame through shows including the 2018 Netflix hit Dogs of Berlin. He gained notoriety when a photo of him in his role of Daher Tarik speaking to police officers went viral.