South African bodybuilder dies after falling on head as backflip goes horribly wrong

A South African bodybuilder died after an attempted backflip went horribly wrong at a competition venue.

According to The Daily Mail, Sifiso Lungelo Thabete landed on his head after leaping off the floor and broke his neck. He then died from his injuries.

In a video of what happened, the bodybuilder can first be seen making his way onto a mat as his name was being announced. He ran slowly to the front of a cheering crowd.

Thereafter, the 23-year-old jumped up and attempted the flip. Instead of landing on his feet, he landed on his head with considerable force.

Following his failed stunt, he lay motionless on the mat and officials went to check on him.

Several more men went up to offer help, but there was nothing they could do.

Body Building South Africa's executive president Wayne Price said: "We suspect, because he was wearing socks this time, that he slipped or didn’t get enough momentum and landed horribly on his head."

Video: Twitter