After retiring from teaching, Andy went on to pursue a career in bodybuilding as a super heavyweight. He passed away in 2001 at 49-years-old. As a result, he became one of the most followed and loved individuals in fitness. He is also the only bodybuilder on the list who went on record to say that steroids were the cause of his health problems and that he regrets what he did to his body. We do not know, but it is good to see dialogue happening on this front at the top level. It is believed that this injury / issue is what ultimately caused his heart attack. On July 3rd in Toronto, Ontario, William Irvine, the Canadian bodybuilder, and owner of York Barbell passed away at the age of 84. I was with him and it was calm and peaceful. In an Instagram post, Greg Valentino had this to say: I JUST WANT TO LET YOU ALL KNOW MY BEST FRIEND & BROTHER BOB BONHAM TOOK HIS OWN LIFE TODAY,,,,I LOST A BROTHER & BODYBUILDING LOST A LEGEND!!!!! It, as his doctor told me a little while ago, was a good death. Laree Draper. Virginia-born athlete Prince, 52, passed away on February 5 with his wife by his bedside. Later in 2020, John coached Missy Truscott to her Fitness Olympia victory, as well as Shaun Clarida to a 212 Olympia title. Mariola Sabanovic-Suarez 12. He was 68. Known in the Canadian Bodybuilding industry as a national competitor and contest-prep coach, Dustin was responsible for coaching and guiding countless clients to reach their fitness goals, which resulted in many trophies and awards in recognition of his clients achievements. His brother-in-law posted a photo and message in honor of the young bodybuilder. Jeff Everson -- a major force in the bodybuilding world -- has died, TMZ Sports has learned. Ed Corney 9. It was saidBonham suffered from severe dementia and may have also been suffering from kidney failure. Heres a piece of what Martinez wrote about Mendez on Instagram following his passing. IFBB Pro bodybuilders get the most attention with fans when they pass away, but we also pay tribute to famous bodybuilding coaches, judges, contest promoters, photographers, journalists, and others who make up the fabric of the bodybuilding industry. This Baltimorean is 84. She's a champion bodybuilder. And Beyonc cast Next Read:Flex Wheeler Opens Up On Steroids, Kidney Failure And Blood Clots That Led To Leg Amputation. He earned his pro card following the 1997 NPC National Championships before making his debut for the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness governing body in 1999. giving advice and encouragement to other women who wanted to learn weight training. Irvine won the prestigious Mr. Canada Junior title in 1957, at the age of 20, in bodybuilding and strength. Heres what Arnold had to say on the passing of George: It's extremely heartbreaking to share the news that John Mountain Dog Meadows passed away on August 8, 2021, at the age of 49. Yolanda R. Hughes-Heying (born October 30, 1963) is a professional female bodybuilder from the United States. Many of us in the bodybuilding community came to know Karen through her competitions, as a savvy businesswoman, and a dear friend. Daves incredible physique earned him a role alongside starring actress Sharon Tate, in the 1967 comedy Dont Make Waves. Record-breaking female powerlifter, 18, dies within 24 hours of developing severe infection, months after she was crowned Belgian champion. Frank owned a popular gym in Tampa, Florida and pushed a training concept called "Rotation For Recuperation". Franco Columbu was an absolute legend in bodybuilding. Despite her long career in bodybuilding, Thomas is perhaps best known as the subject of the 2005. He won the Mr. California bodybuilding competition in 1998 as well as a few other competitions. In just 2021, 3 other prominent bodybuilders: Andy Haman, George Petersen, and John Meadows had also died. Competing at 165 on her 5'5 frame, she gives herself an extra ten pounds in the off-season. He was also the author of the book Brother Iron, Sister Steel. It just doesnt seem real to share the news that Muscle Insider cover model Shawn Flexatron Rhoden passed away from a heart attack at age 46. 1st place - Women's Lightweight Division in the 1997 Marjo . We hope pro bodybuilding federations take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of pro athletes. Forget bodybuilding, this is true for every other high-stakes sport played at the top level. Must Read: 21 Bodybuilders Who Died of Heart Attack Here are some common characteristics of steroids on female bodybuilders: 1. Mr. England runner-up Ben Harnett, 37,died in 2019 after taking steroids before a bodybuilding event. She was a kind soul and a great role model for up and coming female competitors. Foster suffered a spinal cord injury in 2013 after a car accident and had to learn how to build his physique while in a wheelchair. This is one of the most common and frequent questions critics raise when a tragedy strikes the bodybuilding world. Ray too died within 48 hours of Mikes passing. In a recent Instagram post, she mentioned that she caught pneumonia and the flu while attending the 2022 Mr. Olympia Weekend. IFBB pro bodybuilderScott Milne died unexpectedlyof a heart attack at his home at the age of 46. Her IFBB Pro debut was at the Jan Tana Classic in 1998. But at age 46, Piana collapsed at home and died a few weeks after being in a coma. Rich Piana was an icon in the industry. Dallas McCarver started his career early and earned his pro card at 21. He also had a few acting gigs in a Canadian TV show. Every year, we report on the sad news of deaths in bodybuilding. Daniele Seccarecci died at the age of 33 from a heart attack in 2013. He worked closely with Ben Weider, using his photography to help Ben build popularity in the sport of bodybuilding, and inspire millions around the world. Its said that Jimmy was the first photographer from North America to photograph Arnold when he first landed here from Austria. Shawn continued with, "Every day you teach me something new princess. Studying female bodybuilders For over a decade, sociologist Dr. Tanya Bunsell has been researching female bodybuilders. He was the Tampa Pro Classic Physique winner in 2017, and he won the 212 title in 2020. All Rights Reserved. An expert at giving unsolicited advice, his writings benefit the readers and infuriate the bros. Vidur's work has appeared in leading publications such as BarBend and Generation Iron. Michelle said Andy was "larger than life and was as crazy and silly at home as people would see at Expos and that's how everyone should remember him.. Bodybuilding: Rene Campbell wants to change perceptions of what women Kingman's death came shortly after fellow bodybuilder Luke Sandoe took his own life. After about 15 minutes of chest compressions by four paramedics, an ambulance took Frank to the hospital, but it was too late. Your email address will not be published. Frank believed that most bodybuilders overtrained and his method worked on a three day a week program where each body part was trained three times in a two week rotation. "I Won't Be Able to Do It. I Feel Really Ill": Last Words of the Female We first lost Sergio Oliva Sr. in 2012, Larry Scott died in 2014, and Franco Columbo passed away in 2019. He died of a heart attack at the age of 47 in 2014. Who are 15 of the . Provitalize Review The Best Probiotic Supplement? Mike Matarazzo had various health and heart issues leading up to his death. Susanne Bock started bodybuilding at 23. Rhoden was no ordinary bodybuilder. He was successful although his passing came much too early. The mass monsters passing came as a shock to the bodybuilding community as he was one of the best in business at the time. Jenny was the face of the Figure Class from 2004 to 2007 with her balance of muscle and beauty. George "Da Bull" Peterson tragically died on October 6th at the age of 37. He was invited to the U.S. Olympic weightlifting team in 1980. As often is the case, not many details were shared about just what happened, but supposedly she had a seizure in her sleep while her husband tried to resuscitate her, but he was unsuccessful. On top of that, Chet had a short stint as an actor in the films, Muscle Beach Party and Dont Make Waves. Piana ran a YouTube channel where he gave inspirational speeches, workout advice, day in the life content and more. George Peterson 4. Rhoden first started competing as an amateur in 1992, eventually earning his IFBB Pro Card in 2009 at the IFBB North American Championships. He had enlarged organs but the cause of his death wasnt entirely confirmed. The news about the death of Laura was confirmed by fellow pro female bodybuilder Tonya Knight. As a result, Mentzer boycotted the 1981 Olympia and retired soon after at the age of 29. It all went downhill from here. The exterior of Rhonda was always shiny and I dont think she would object to the word flamboyant, but the inside was soft, gentle, kind and intuitive. The coroners report showed that Atwood died of a massive heart attack. Ukraine IFBB Bikini competitor Zhanna Rotar moved to the US from her home country in 1996 at age 16. Mikayla Kingman, Bodybuilding Prodigy, Dies at 23 | Heavy.com During that time, he had disappeared from the bodybuilding scene and instead focussed on running a real estate business with his wife. Matthew's other passions include learning about mindfulness, strolling through nature, traveling, and always working to improve overall. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); At FitnessVolt.com Our mission is to help our readers to achieve their fitness goals, regardless of where youre at on your journey, we are on a mission to educate You with the latest from strength and fitness space. I never got to see you again my friend, but one thing I can say for sure is that you were a very kind and good-hearted man that never reached his full potential., Related:Victor Martinez Mourns Loss Of Fellow Bodybuilder Novoa Mendez. Hailing from Montreal, Quebec, Jimmy was regarded as an innovator in physique photography. However, he passed away at age 26 from cardiac arrest, just when his career was starting to take off. Read more. Lonniereminiscedthat at the 1991 Nationals in Pittsburgh, regarded by some as the greatest line-up of all time, saw Mendendall land in a distant fifth behind winner Kevin Levrone, runner-up Flex Wheeler, third place Paul "Quadzilla" DeMayo and fourth place Ronnie Coleman. His passing was mourned by the entire bodybuilding fraternity. It was a tragic loss that his sister, Vicki Gray, believes could have been prevented as there were some symptoms that Mike was experiencing before the heart attack that claimed his life. Apparently, she passed in her sleep. He then went on to win the AAU Mr. California the very next year and from there, he won Mr. America and Mr. International. Rhondas last competition was the 2016 Ferrigno Legacy Pro Show, and she then retired from bodybuilding. Following a second surgery, Dearth suffered a heart attack and died. Frank was also very well known for his onstage presence. This is without question our least favourite topic to cover, but these icons deserve to be remembered for the inspiration they provided, the lives they touched and how they helped shape the industry as we know it today. A FORMER British international bodybuilding champion has died aged 43 at her home in Cornwall. Chris thanks for the many great memories, we will miss you! Melissas passing came roughly 8 months after having her leg amputated in October of 2020, due to blood clots obstructing the blood flow to her lower leg. The one I remember most clearly was moderated by Chad Nicholls [the husband of four-time Ms. Olympia Kim Chizevsky and the "contest prep guru" for Dallas McCarver, a bodybuilding star who died . Dave was an early starter to the sport of bodybuilding, beginning to train with make-shift weights as a kid. Your email address will not be published. Pumping Iron, the book and the movie, drew the general public into our strange little niche sport and brought fitness and this Austrian with an unpronounceable name and a funny accent to the masses. -Arnold Schwarzenegger. Coroners pointed to a lethal combination of the steroid Mena was taking and the anesthetic, The New York Post reports. Known for his roles in Braveheart and Gladiator, Mitchell passed away from a heart attack in Turkey. On 6th November 2021, news broke that Shawn Rhoden, the 2018 Mr. Olympia, had passed away due to a heart attack. And it is not just well-established stars who succumb to the pressure. Zhanna Rotar 15. Here is an excerpt from what Martinez wrote about Mendez on Instagram following his passing: I got the chance to compete with him in the Toronto pro show in 2013 and his physique caught my eyes because he was very impressive. Bodybuilders Are Dying: An Investigation Into Modern Bodybuilding . A post shared by MUSCLE INSIDER (@muscleinsider). John Meadows suffered a heart attack in May of 2020, which was caused by blood clots. Youre not going to have a choice.". Mentzer was a legendary bodybuilder from the golden era of bodybuilding. Canadian bodybuilding journalist Garry Bartlett had to say of the passing of Frank Calta: "I am saddened to hear that Bodybuilder Frank Calta just passed away. Michael Bekoev 5. His death came just a few days prior to the passing of Rich Piana which marked one of the most devastating weeks in bodybuilding history. Atwoods first competition was in 2000. The Canadian bodybuilder competed from 1996-2004, earning his pro card in 2002. People who think the dehydrated bodybuilders with 4% body fat on the Olympia stage are healthy, probably do not understand the words meaning. We managed to dig up an old interview we did with John back in 2019 at the Granite Supplements booth during the Vancouver Pro/Am. A post shared by Dan Alexander (@ifbbpro_dandan). Rhoden also added his own commentary to the quote, writing, "Real talk.". You are wise beyond your 6yrs and always know just what to do to make your daddy smile or laugh. He earned his Pro card in 1993. The two only competed against and met each other once at the 2013 Toronto Pro show. Women's Physique bodybuilder Amy Richardson has passed away at 49 years old. But Wilson would ultimately succumb to skin cancer at age 67. Virilization Effects Testosterone is one of the primary drugs responsible for helping women bodybuilders build muscle mass. Apart from his monster shoulders and giant quads, he made history in 2018 by becoming the oldest bodybuilder (at 43 years and five months old) to win the Mr. Olympia crown. RIP my sweet soul.. Scott Wilson 7. Of special note was in 2013 at the Atlantic Classic Championships, where he captured the Heavyweight title and later on competed at the 2018 Atlantic Classic Championships. Rest in peace George. FEMALE BODYBUILDER DIED AFTER BOTCHED OPERATION IN JULY In July, female bodybuilder Odalis Santos Mena, 23, suffered cardiac arrest and died following a botched operation to stop her excess underarm sweat. Hearing of Frank's passing brought me back to that special day when things seemed much simpler. PASSED THE WAY SHE WANTED AT PEACE FALLING ASLEEP TOGETHER.NO MORE PAIN . Cardiomegaly is common in people who use anabolic steroids and HGH (human growth hormone). Atwood met with a tragic end. However, on Christmas Day and at 39, she was struck by a vehicle that killed her according to the reports. Sources tell us the cause of death was complications from the virus COVID-19. Daryl Stafford 8. Tom had many health issues over the years including kidney failure in 2003 which had him on dialysis until he received a kidney transplant in 2012. Legendary promoter and gym ownerBob Bonham passed away on October 3rd, 2021. Durr accomplished a lot before his bodybuilding career. The news of his death was confirmed by Olympia productions in an Instagram post. Outpouring of Tributes Continue for Professional Bodybuilder from The 7 Most Disturbing Deaths In Bodybuilding History Your email address will not be published. But he passed at age 35 due to what was said to be health issues. This agreement was honored until 2004 when Irvine and his business partner, Peter Hallford, purchased the US-based York Barbell in 2004. The 37-year-old bodybuilding star was found in his hotel room, face down after his coach was unable to reach him. The genie is out of the bottle now, and he is not going back inside until health issues concerning steroid use in bodybuilding are discussed openly, and rules to regulate their use are enforced. But she got a call to an apartment complex to deal with an angry tenant who shot and killed Enriquez along with another officer. Stafford reportedly passed away at the age of58 due to a heart attack. She suffered a sudden heart attack which took her life. I Feel Really Ill": Last Words of the Female Bodybuilder Who Died Right Before 2021 Europa Pro Contest. Novoa Mendez was considered one of the strongest men in the Dominican Republic. Required fields are marked *. This led to a successful career in bodybuilding, earning even more titles, such as Mr. America, Mr. Universe, Mr. World, and a fourth-place finish at the 1967 Mr. Olympia. "Theres no reason to do steroids, youre only hurting your body, youre hurting yourself. Joanna Thomas, the famed female bodybuilder and adult actress, has died at the age of 43. Rotar retired from competing in 2010 to become an NPC/Pro League judge and focused on training others. All Rights Reserved. He was the first Polish man to win the title of Master of the Universe and won several IFBB amateur shows. However, a brain aneurysm in 2018 would prove to be fatal as he passed on the first of January 2019. McCarvers heart weighed around 833 gms, almost three times the size of a normal human heart (300 gms). Not only was he a loyal and committed soldier in the trenches, he was also a loyal and devoted bodybuilder to our sport, contributing and supporting it through bursaries, donations, and giving back to the sport in so many ways. passed away at age 26 from cardiac arrest, Wilson would ultimately succumb to skin cancer, Daszkiewicz was 60 at the time of his passing, 1950s Bodybuilder Ed Fury Passes Away in California Home at 94, Steve Reeves Bodybuilding Workout: Train Like a Champion, Ryan Piana on Mysterious Ongoing Investigation of Rich Pianas Death: There Are People Being Looked At, Hany Rambod Discusses Why Bodybuilders Are Dying Young Like Dallas McCarver and Bostin Loyd, 45-Degree Hyperextension Guide: Muscles Worked, How-To, Benefits, and Variations, The Best Supraspinatus Stretching and Strengthening Exercises, Hunter Labrada Shares Tips for Growing Weaker Calves: Big Difference in Training to Pain & True Failure, Sylvester Stallone Cautions Against Working Out Too Hard with Bruce Lee Reference: Will Kill You, Cable Superset Workout: More Muscle in Less Time.