Fanatical bodybuilder father-of-one, 46, who worked out twice a day dies from Covid after being put into coma on Christmas Day
- Anthony Williams, 46, from Bridgend, South Wales, would work out twice a day
- Friends said they were shocked after learning he was placed in an induced coma
- He passed away on January 13 after testing positive for Covid before Christmas
- Anthony’s workplace paid tribute to ‘great friend, colleague, partner and father’
A ‘super fit’ father-of-one who worked out twice a day has died from Covid-19 after being put into a coma on Christmas Day.
Anthony Williams, 46, from Bridgend, South Wales, would work out twice a day and had previously taken part in bodybuilding contests but was laid low by the virus.
His friends said they were shocked when they learned Anthony, who passed away earlier this month ahead of his wedding day, had been placed in an induced coma.
Andrew Follant said: ‘I have known Anthony since he was 19 and he’s always been such a health freak.
Anthony Williams (pictured above), 46, from Bridgend, South Wales, would work out twice a day and had previously taken part on bodybuilding contests but was laid low by the virus
‘He probably spent more time in the gym than his own house. He’d be on his cross trainer for 20 minutes every morning and then again every night.
‘He used to do bodybuilding. He’d eat seven or eight meals a day of chicken and rice – his regime was unbelievable. He’d have one ‘cheat meal’ a week and that was it.
‘I never would have thought in a month of Sundays that someone like him would become that ill, let alone die, from coronavirus.’
Anthony and partner Nicki had been forced to postpone their wedding in 2020 and were due to tie the knot later this year.
He worked for industrial electronic and automation repair company Kontroltek where his friend Andrew was managing director.
Andrew said: ‘Having known Anthony for over 25 years we have shared many memories, We have laughed together and we have cried together.
Anthony (pictured above) worked for industrial electronic and automation repair company Kontroltek where his friend Andrew was managing director
‘I am mourning his death greatly – he was more than an employee to me. Anthony was a loyal friend who I could trust and often seek advice in.
‘I’m forever grateful for knowing him as I’m sure many who have crossed paths with him are too.
‘This tragic loss is only another reminder of how truly evil this virus is.’
Friends have now rallied round to support partner Nikki and his 10-year-old daughter Elise and an online fundraiser had generated almost £3,000, at the time of writing.
A description on the page, which was created by Anthony’s workplace, paid tribute to the ‘great friend, colleague, partner and father’.
Anthony and partner Nicki had been forced to postpone their wedding and were due to tie the knot later this year. A fundraiser paid tribute to the ‘great friend, colleague, partner and father’
It read: ‘It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of Anthony Williams, a long-standing member of the Kontroltek family.
‘Anthony, 46, was born in Merthyr Tydfil and had been living in Bridgend with his partner, Nikki, and daughter, Elise, before he passed away on the 13th January 2021, in the Princess of Wales Hospital.
‘During the week before Christmas, Anthony tested positive for Covid-19. During self-isolation, his health gradually worsened and he was admitted to hospital.
‘NHS doctors and nurses took great care of him during his time in hospital, eventually deciding to place him in an induced coma. Unfortunately, Anthony did not recover from the virus.
‘Anthony was a great friend, colleague, partner and father. He was kind, loyal, funny and a unique character, always considerate of others. It’s truly tragic that this happened to him.’