Rich Piana, the most popular bodybuilder on social media, is currently in a medically-induced coma following a “medical emergency” at his Florida residence on August 7, 2017. The verified details surrounding the incident have not been made public. Seemingly conflicting accounts of the incident have been reported by TMZ and Piana’s girlfriend.
Chanel Jensen, the girlfriend of Piana, reported that she was giving Piana a haircut in the bathroom when he collapsed. She was unable to support him and Piana fell and hit his head on the counter. However, TMZ suggested that Piana might have overdosed on some recreational drugs when it reported that “lines of crushed powder” and a straw were discovered on the bathroom counter. In addition, paramedics allegedly administered two dosages of Narcan (naloxene). Narcan is given as an emergency treatment in cases of a suspected opioid drug overdose.
Piana did not regain consciousness and was rushed to the local emergency room. Upon hospitalization, Piana was placed in a medically-induced coma. This procedure is an extreme measure taken under circumstances that usually involve extended oxygen deprivation and some type of brain injury. The coma state is intended to allow for the recovery of the central nervous system. The longer the patient is maintained in a coma, the prognosis is generally worse.
TMZ also reported that police seized approximately 20 vials and/or bottles of anabolic steroids from Piana’s home. This information along with the fact that Piana was an admitted high-dose steroid user for over 20 years has resulted in steroids, justifiably or not, taking most of the blame for Piana’s current situation. Earlier this year, Piana posted a 3-month “Get big as FUCK steroid cycle” that involved high dosages from a surprising number compounds. However, the truth is that no one knows whether it was head trauma, heart attack, opioid overdose or something else that precipitated Piana’s current situtation.
Piana has now been in the coma over a week. He was reportedly taken out of the coma temporarily after signs of improvement in which he was breathing on his on. But he was apparently placed back in the coma shortly afterwards.
Jensen has provided periodic updates on Piana’s condition. At one point, she reiterated that he was alive and fighting in order to dispel rumors of his death circulating on social media.
“I just want to be clear [Rich Piana] is STILL ALIVE,” Jansen wrote. “All myself and his family are asking for is POSITIVE thoughts, prayers, and love. PLEASE i’m BEGGING you all to have some respect and realize how EXTREMELY difficult this is for us. Thank you to all of you staying positive and sending well wishes, prayers, and love. We appreciate it more than you will ever know.”
Meanwhile, Jansen has asked all of Piana’s fans and 5% Nutrition customers to send their well wishes and comments via voice mail so that she can play them to Piana while he is in a coma.
“If you’d like to send [Rich Piana] positive vibes, well wishes, prayers, or some motivation during his recovery please feel free to call and leave a message. I’ll be playing them for him.”