Renowned Melbourne street artist and bodybuilder Mark Taylor, also known as MeatAXE, has suddenly died.

The news was shared on his social media account overnight.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of The MeatAXE – Mark Taylor. A devoted father, husband and friend. An artist whose legacy and love will forever live on,” the post read.

It’s unclear exactly how he died but a GoFundMe page set up for his family wrote that he was taking his youngest son to a birthday party on Saturday evening when he suffered a medical emergency.

Taylor and his wife Renee had celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary just days before his death on February 6.

He was a globally recognised muralist, street artist, bodybuilder and creator of his supplement company Axe Laboratories.

Tributes poured for him online as his community remembered him as a “gentleman” and an “incredible man”.

“Wow we have lost a Melbourne legend,” fellow muralist Matt Last, or Adnate, said.

“Always a positive influence on everyone he met, much love to him and his family.”

“This is heartbreaking. It was a blessing to know you and a true honor to have been painted by you,” trainer Dana Bailey.

“So hard to believe. It feels like you were taken far too soon Big Man. You spread your love and shared your talent with the world,” world bodybuilding champion Nick Jones said.