The home intruder who died following a struggle with a Sydney father inside his family home was a personal trainer and weightlifter who competed in strength competitions around the world.
Bradley Soper, 35, died on Sunday morning after police say he entered a Harrington Park house and was confronted by home owner Johan Schwartz.
Investigators say Mr Schwartz, 44, was woken about 7.30am by his dogs barking and "challenged a male intruder located in the lounge room".
Soper collapsed and became unconscious following the confrontation. He could not be revived by paramedics.
Mr Shwartz was questioned for several hours by NSW Police after he confronted the man but was released on Sunday night without charge pending further inquiries.
Soper was a strength and conditioning coach, according to his Instagram account "school_of_strong_", which showed him competing in various Strongman competitions around the world.
In December Soper posted a photo to Facebook of himself third on a Strongman Champions League podium in Goa, India.
Bradley Soper competed in various events around the word. Source: Facebook/Brad Soper
Another post showed him deadlifting 250kg more than a dozen times.
Friends and clients paid tribute to Soper on social media on Monday, with one describing him as "a great bloke, an inspiration and an awesome coach".
"Very very sad news - I cant believe it - RIP Brad Soper," said another.
Homicide detectives are assisting in the investigation and are awaiting the outcome of a post-mortem examination of to determine the cause of Soper's death.
It's believed Mr Schwartz's wife and young child were home at the time of the incident.
Police have already said Mr Schwartz was entitled to use "reasonable force" to protect his home and family.
