The global fitness community has been left grieving after the sudden death of a well-known gym owner who died during a high-endurance competition in Thailand.

Leroy Saunders was a 41-year-old South African fitness coach who had been living in Bangkok for several years.

While competing at the BYD HYROX Bangkok event last Friday, the coach tragically lost consciousness and collapsed.

Event staff and medical personnel at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre immediately provided emergency assistance to the 41-year-old, before he was raced to a nearby hospital.

Sadly, he was pronounced dead hours later.

His passing was confirmed by family in a statement to his 44,000 followers on Tuesday, with loved ones remembering him as a dedicated mentor.

“Until the last second of this moment, Leroy lived his life without regret or hesitation,” the statement said.

His family said they are still working to understand the circumstances surrounding his death, and have asked that people avoid speculation until medical details have been confirmed.

Tributes have poured across social media for the coach since his untimely passing, with many honouring the late owner’s passion and work ethic.

“So thankful he was such an incredible coach . . . he has touched so many lives,” one client said.

“Such a kind soul, he will be so dearly missed,” another former client shared.

“The Thailand fitness community has lost a shining light,” a Thai fitness fan added.

Mr Saunders was a prominent figure in the Thai fitness world, with the fitness coach owning a Crossfit gym in Bangkok as well as running a physical conditioning program for professional fighters.

Last weekend was not the first time the South African had competed in a HYROX event — the 41-year-old finished HYROX’s Doubles category in 2025 in just one hour, 17 minutes, and 51 seconds.

Saunders’ high-profile passing comes just days before the third annual HYROX event is set to land at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The global fitness event will run from Friday to Sunday and is expected see thousands of WA fitness fanatics testing their strength and endurance.