Mother of Perth bodybuilder Giuliano Pirone calls for inquest after son collapsed and went undiscovered in gym shower for 15 hours

The mother of a Perth bodybuilder who went undiscovered for more than 15 hours after collapsing in the shower of a 24-hour gym has called for a coronial inquest into his death.

Giuliano Pirone, 33, collapsed in the shower cubicle of the Perth-based gym on August 20 while training for an upcoming bodybuilder competition.

He was not discovered for 15 hours until emergency services pinged his phone, finding him slumped on the floor of the shower cubicle under cold running water.

Mr Pirone was rushed to Joondalup Hospital in Perth’s north and remained there for several weeks until his death in early September.

His mother Daniela has now called for a coronial inquest into her son’s death, questioning how someone could be left in a gym shower for so long.

“If he was found earlier, he would still be here,” she told ABC Radio Perth.

Ms Pirone asked what protocols were followed on the night her son collapsed.

Ms Pirone is haunted by wondering if protocols were different, whether she would still have her son.

On the program, she described how the gym could have checked on her son after he failed to check out, or could have been called “over the speaker”, or even phoned and asked whether he just forgot to check out.

Mr Pirone described her son as being “full of life” and having no fear while “living life to the full”.

“He did everything he wanted to – that was his motto, really,” Ms Pirone said.

“When he wants to do something, he’s so focused. It’s just great to watch.”

Mr Pirone was first reported missing by his family after he failed to come home from work that same day.

Officers were only able to locate him after pinging Mr Pirone’s phone – leading to the discovery in the showers.

On ABC Radio Perth Ms Pirone teared up recalling how her son never regained consciousness while recovering in hospital.

“He never tightened my hand, or spoke to me again,” Ms Pirone said

“I looked into his eyes, he probably didn’t see me.

“I hope he heard and saw me … at least I had his warm hand on my face.”

In a statement, WA Police confirmed they attended Joondalup Health Campus on September 4 in relation to Mr Pirone’s death and were preparing a report for the coroner.

The gym Mr Pirone was a member of also issued a statement extending their thoughts and prayers to his family “at this difficult time” and their “deepest sympathies” after learning he had passed away.

“We have been in contact with those close to Giuliano and have given them time and space,” the gym’s statement continued.

“We will continue to engage with the family to provide whatever support we can if they require it.

“Since the date of the incident, we have provided and will continue to provide all necessary access and information to emergency services to assist them in their efforts if required.”

The gym’s statement continued by saying they remain committed to “maintaining a safe, secure and accessible environment”.

“We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive community environment for our staff, our members, and all of our external relationships,” the statement read.

The Western Australian government has previously looked into regulation of the fitness industry – with a 2019 report into proposed regulation of the fitness industry identifying a “rapid” expansion of 24-hour 7-day fitness centres and gyms.

AUSactive, Australia’s peak body for the exercise and active health sector, has outlined numerous policies and guidelines recommended for health professionals and business owners to meet industry standards.

In a GoFundMe, Mr Pirone’s sister Rosa Ostapenko described her little brother as “the light as soon as he walked through any door”.

“He would give you the shirt off his back,” she wrote on the fundraiser.

Ms Ostapenko revealed her brother was excited for his first bodybuilding competition – due to be held two weeks from the day he was found – as well as setting up his own business.