The mother of a bodybuilder who died in a gym bathroom has called for a coroner’s inquest into the safety measures implemented at the gym’s facilities.
Giuliano Pirone, 33, collapsed in a closed shower cubicle at the gym in Wanneroo, north of Perth, at about 7.30am on August 20.
Mr Pirone, who was training for a bodybuilding competition, fell and suffered a brain injury and never regained consciousness.
Police found the young father lying in the stall under cold running water 15 hours later, at around 10:30pm, when they burst into the shower.
His loved ones had reported him missing and the police managed to locate him by tapping his phone.
Mr Pirone was rushed to Joondalup Hospital where he was on life support for two weeks before dying on September 5.
Her grieving mother, Daniela, said an investigation would allow for greater scrutiny of safety protocols in place at 24-hour gyms.
She claims the facilities should be strictly regulated and said if her son had been found sooner, he would have been alive.
Giuliano Pirone, 33 (pictured), died after collapsing in an enclosed shower cubicle at a gym in the northern Perth suburb of Wanneroo at around 7.30am on August 20.
“I didn’t want to join this club of mothers who lose their children and I want to know why I am in this position,” Ms. Pirone told the alphabet.
‘I just want to know how someone can stay in a gym shower for 15 hours.
Doctors believe Mr Pirone’s blood sugar levels dropped too low, causing his blood pressure to drop, and they said he may have had a seizure.
Police have obtained CCTV footage from the gym, which has not been identified for legal reasons, and are preparing a report for the coroner.
Ms Pirone said the footage showed her son stepping off the treadmill before crashing into several exercise machines.
Then he walked into the shower holding his stomach.
The devastated mother said she does not want others to face a similar situation.
Pirone’s family has asked that all gyms be adequately staffed and that employees check showers and bathrooms every hour.
The gym where Mr. Pirone collapsed is staffed for a couple of hours in the morning and afternoon, according to its website.
Gyms across Australia can choose to sign up to the National Code of Practice through AUSactive, the peak body for the active health and fitness industry.
Pirone’s devastated mother Daniela said a forensic investigation would allow for greater scrutiny of safety protocols in place at 24-hour gyms.
The code contains guidelines to promote various health and safety measures in the workplace.
These include installing security cameras to monitor parts of a health and fitness facility accessed by users, excluding changing rooms and toilets.
The code also encourages exercise facilities to be equipped with first aid kits that can be easily accessed during an emergency.
AUSactive chief executive Barry Elvish said the gym Mr Pirone attended was not a member of the association.
Mr Elvish said that while Mr Pirone’s death was distressing, it was difficult to staff gyms 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Mr. Pirone’s family is receiving legal advice.
