Akinwale Arobieke, the Liverpool bodybuilder known as ‘Purple Aki’ for his notorious muscle-touching habits, died at age 64 on August 26, 2025.
Police found him unresponsive in his Toxteth flat on Devonshire Road, Princes Park, around 8:30pm BST.
Merseyside Police declared the death non-suspicious and are preparing a file for the coroner.
This marks the end of a polarizing figure whose life fueled urban legends and legal battles, leaving fans and locals reflecting as of 01:24 PM IST today, Thursday, August 28, 2025.
Death and Initial Response
Officers and paramedics arrived promptly but confirmed Arobieke’s death at the scene.
A police spokesperson said, “Emergency services attended a non-suspicious death in Toxteth last night. A file will be sent to the coroner.”
The quiet discovery contrasts with his public notoriety, with no family statements yet.
The coroner for Liverpool and Wirral will investigate the cause, while the Toxteth community, known for its diversity, processes the news.
Notorious Life and Crimes
Born on July 15, 1961, in Crumpsall, Manchester, Arobieke grew up in care and later worked odd jobs in Liverpool.
His reputation began in the 1980s when he approached young men at gyms and stations to feel their muscles, earning the ‘Purple Aki’ nickname—later deemed racist by him.
The legend peaked in 1986 when 16-year-old Gary Kelly died fleeing him at New Brighton station, leading to a manslaughter conviction overturned in 1988 with £35,000 compensation.
His legal troubles escalated in the 2000s. Operation Ice in 2001 investigated 123 complaints, resulting in a 2003 six-year sentence for harassing 14 teenage boys.
A 2006 Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) banned muscle-touching and loitering near schools, but he breached it multiple times, facing jail in 2007 and 2009.
In 2015, he won an appeal against a train incident conviction and sued Greater Manchester Police in 2022, securing a payout for malicious prosecution.
Legacy and Public Reaction
Arobieke called himself a victim of a “witch hunt,” denying sexual intent and suing media over portrayals.
His story inspired memes and a 2017 Bolton restaurant burger rename, though Kelly’s daughter criticized the jokes.
On X, a fan posted, “Akinwale Arobieke aka Purple Aki has died aged 64. Found unresponsive in his Toxteth flat.”
Another added, “RIP Purple Aki—controversial but part of Liverpool lore”, mixing nostalgia with debate.
What’s Next?
The coroner will reveal the cause of death.
Arobieke’s legacy—mythical figure or wronged man—divides opinions, sparking talks on policing and prejudice in the UK.
Stay tuned for coroner updates!