A 22-year-old woman has died after collapsing during a workout at a gym that lacked a legally required defibrillator.

Dayane de Jesus, a student of international relations at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), had just finished an exercise session at a gym in Copacabana, Brazil, on 20th May when she suddenly lost consciousness.

A doctor who happened to be training at the same gym rushed to her aid and immediately called for a defibrillator, but was told there was not one.

The young woman was reported to have had a history of heart problems, however any chance that she could have been revived was lost when it was revealed that the life-saving device, known as an automated external defibrillator (AED), was not available.

As a result, the doctor was unable to revive her.

By law, gyms in the state of Rio de Janeiro must have an AED on-site and employ people that have been trained how to use them.

The absence of the device is a criminal offence, and police have now launched an investigation into the gym's operations.

Authorities have shut down the facility, and its manager and owners are facing potential charges for violating safety regulations. Health inspectors also uncovered additional irregularities, including licensing issues.

Rio's Civil Police confirmed the investigation is ongoing and said CCTV footage from the gym has been seized.

(MJ Leidig/newsX)