Akinwale Arobieke, the Liverpool bodybuilder widely known as “Purple Aki,” has been found dead at his home in Toxteth at 64 years old. Merseyside Police confirmed that Arobieke was discovered unresponsive on Devonshire Road Tuesday night and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have ruled out suspicious circumstances and have referred the case to the coroner.
Arobieke’s name stirred unease and fascination across Merseyside since the 1980s. He gained notoriety for his fixation on young men’s muscles, often approaching them to touch or measure their biceps. His unusual behaviour led to numerous court appearances over harassment and intimidation allegations. Judges frequently described his actions as “strange and obsessive,” and he was at one point subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order prohibiting him from entering gyms or touching men’s muscles.
Despite his controversial reputation, Arobieke maintained until his death that his behaviour was misunderstood and not of a sexual nature. His story grew into a local legend, sparking tales shared in gyms and rugby clubs, before becoming an internet source of dark humour and dread.
Arobieke’s name was also connected to the tragic death of 16-year-old Gary Kelly in 1986, who died after being electrocuted on railway lines while appearing to flee from him. Though initially convicted of manslaughter, Arobieke’s conviction was later overturned on appeal.
Merseyside Police have asked anyone with more information to come forward as inquiries continue, while the local community reflects on the complicated legacy of a man who remained an infamous figure for decades.
