Bodybuilder George Peterson died at the age of 37, just a day before a bodybuilding competition in Orlando, Fla. Peterson's friend and coach Justin Miller found Peterson unresponsive in his . Irvine remained active with the company until his final days. Event organizers announced Peterson's death in a post on Instagram, writing: "It is with great sadness that we report the unexpected passing of . In April, world-class bodybuilder Cedric McMillan died of a heart attack at age 44 . Corney suffered a heart attack in 1999 during shoulder replacement surgery although, he eventually recovered. Rest in peace George. But his extreme popularity was more due to the fact that he had a larger than life personality and wasnt afraid to be real and honest. Man, woman, old, young death is no respecter of persons. She touched so many people with her kindness and she had this intrinsic ability to see people, really see them and she took the time to understand them. We hope pro bodybuilding federations take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of pro athletes. Piana ran a YouTube channel where he gave inspirational speeches, workout advice, day in the life content and more. George Da Bull Peterson passed away days before competing at the 2021 Olympia. The past few years have been rough for the bodybuilding and fitness community with the loss of many great individuals. Rhondas last competition was the 2016 Ferrigno Legacy Pro Show, and she then retired from bodybuilding. He was the Tampa Pro Classic Physique winner in 2017, and he won the 212 title in 2020. Cedric, a truly great bodybuilder and one of the most entertaining to ever grace the stage, will be remembered for his generosity toward his fans. NABBA Mr. Universe competition was the premiere bodybuilding contest before the Olympia. Fellow bodybuilder Kai Green also paid tribute to McMillan on hisInstagram account. He won the Mr. California bodybuilding competition in 1998 as well as a few other competitions. It also stated that Atwood unknowingly suffered a minor heart attack about a month previous. Exercises to Reduce Hip Dips Do They Work? Atwoods first competition was in 2000. Is Yvette Bova Dead or Still Alive? One that I am blessed to have had for so many years. 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!!!!! A post shared by BLACKSKULL USA (@blackskullusa). Chet achieved the feat at the 1996 NABBA Mr. Universe (amateur) contest in London, England. A Warner Bros. The recent parade of early deaths has hit close to home. 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. He eventually went in for surgery but abscesses developed after some complications. Known for his symmetry and some of the best calves during his era, Dickerson dies at the age of 82. Wilkosz passed away at age 71 due to causes unknown at the time. Daryl Stafford started bodybuilding at age 25 in 1984 and earned his Pro card in 1993. - Garry Bartlett. Cedric McMillan, a world-class bodybuilder and former U.S. Army instructor at Fort Jackson in South Carolina, died earlier this week, according to multiple reports. Ed Kawak was a legendary bodybuilder who won the NABBA Mr. Universe for a record five times (tied with Eddy Ellwood). On the other hand, if your goal is to step on a stage and go head to head with the best bodybuilders in the world, things can spiral out of control too fast too soon, especially if you have no idea what you are doing. It gave rise to his supplement agency, Frey Nutrition. Consider this a homage to the athletes who succumbed to heart attacks. As a bodybuilder, Yeung held the Mr. Hong Kong title for ten years. According to some reports, Mendez had pre-existing health issues and suffered a cardiac arrest at the age of 49 which resulted in his death. Date of death: August 5, 2017. passed away at age 26 from cardiac arrest, Wilson would ultimately succumb to skin cancer, Daszkiewicz was 60 at the time of his passing, 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. 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. Comerford passed away at his local gym at the age of 52. Tributes pour in as bodybuilder and fitness author dies aged 62. Alexander was preparing for the Legion Sports Fest in 2019 after having not competed since 2017. So, you have inner pec striations? He flew to Pittsburgh to compete and died of a heart attack in his hotel room the night before the show. Ukraine IFBB Bikini competitor Zhanna Rotar moved to the US from her home country in 1996 at age 16. Cedric McMillan pictured on March 7, 2020. In a post on July 23, 2021, about four months before he died, Rhoden shared photos of himself and his daughter for her sixth birthday. The Late 70s-80s bodybuilder Jusup Wilkosz was a twice Mr. Universe winner (79-80) who also placed third at Mr. Olympia (84) competition. 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.. As a young teenage aspiring bodybuilder, I travelled to Tampa, Florida to meet him. At the time of his passing, it was reported that he died after choking on food, but his autopsy report pointed elsewhere. appreciated. It was saidBonham suffered from severe dementia and may have also been suffering from kidney failure. Horn brushed these symptoms off as nothing too serious and continued with his normal routine. Both his physique and posing were ahead of their time and can be seen mirrored in todays classic physique division in the CPA, NPC and the IFBB Pro League. It's extremely heartbreaking to share the news that John Mountain Dog Meadows passed away on August 8, 2021, at the age of 49. In a 2010 interview, Scott had expressed that a major influence on his desire to compete in bodybuilding came from none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger. Its said that Jimmy was the first photographer from North America to photograph Arnold when he first landed here from Austria. On July 3rd in Toronto, Ontario, William Irvine, the Canadian bodybuilder, and owner of York Barbell passed away at the age of 84. Leaving us at 82, Chris now joins former Mr Olympians Larry Scott, Shawn Rhoden, and Sergio Oliva. Dallas McCarver and Rich Piana, two of the most muscular men on the planet, died last month. Andreas nutrition brand, Frey Nutrition paid a tribute to the late star, sharing his picture on the brands official Facebook handle. Read more. Watch This Story From Arnold Schwarzenegger to Ronnie Coleman: Here Are the Top Bodybuilders With the Best Nicknames. Email: sm(at)fitnessvolt.com Disclosure: FitnessVolt.com has an affiliate relationship with different brands and is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Must Read:IFBB Pro Mike Wheels Shares Details Of Heart Damage Caused By Steroid Abuse, Aside from being a top-ranked bodybuilder from Europe, Daniele was also a holder of the Guinness Book of Records as the man with the largest arms in the world (55cm/21.65 inches) and the heaviest competitive male bodybuilder with a competition weight of 135 kg (297.62 lbs.). 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. 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. Heres what Canadian bodybuilding journalist Garry Bartlett had to say of the passing of Chris Dickerson: "Today's news of Mr. Olympia Chris Dickerson's passing particularly hits me hard as Chris was the first Mr. Olympia that I got to photograph and published in Musclemag. Key points: McMillan spent time on life support after contracting pneumonia following a COVID infection. to 21. After about 15 minutes of chest compressions by four paramedics, an ambulance took Frank to the hospital, but it was too late. Yorton suffered serious injuries and was almost killed in an automobile accident in his youth. DK. It made for a great friend. He won the Mr. Universe twice, Mr. America once, and Mr. World twice. However, our reviews are based on well research backed analysis. 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. Recently, another bodybuilding star suffered a tragic death. Earlier this year, bodybuilder, Paul Poloczek of Poland, passed away just hours after participating in the NPC Worldwide Championship in Germany. Bodybuilder Cedric McMillan has died at the age of 44, his sponsor confirmed Tuesday. His brother-in-law posted a photo and message in honor of the young bodybuilder. Draper's wife, Laree Draper, confirmed his passing in a post on social media that day. He was 78 years old. We will never forget his service to our country. The bodybuilding champ turned actor died on a boat in Turkey at the age of 65. September 30, 1997, would be a day that would forever change the life of bodybuilder Bertil Fox and leave a 20-year-old beauty queen and her 36-year-old mother dead. Watch:Calum Von Moger Shares His Experience With Using Steroids. The man needs no introduction. Sources close to Dustin say he wasnt feeling well, decided to lie down, and passed away in his sleep. Mike Mentzers death was directly related to steroids, and he readily admitted both use of them and the damage they did to his body. She then retired in 1981 to pursue a career in nursing which she had a passion for. 2. The heat from boiling helps to break down the cell walls of the banana and makes its vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants more accessible to the body. This agreement was honored until 2004 when Irvine and his business partner, Peter Hallford, purchased the US-based York Barbell in 2004. Even though he was a pro bodybuilder, he did not place well in any shows. While he was informed that a part of his heart wasnt working properly at the time, he did get back to training. Mikes younger brother Ray Mentzer (Mr. America 1979) discovered Mike dead in his bed due to a heart attack. Bodybuilders. Maybe it was the heart attack that got him, or maybe Sergio Oliva Jr. hit the nail on its head when he said,Shawn Rhoden died because he couldnt do what he loved., Related:Guy Cisternino Goes Off On Scumbag Shawn Ray Over Disrespectful & Disgusting Shawn Rhoden Comments. The athlete died after suffering a pulmonary embolism. Frey was just 43 years old at the time of his death. All Rights Reserved. Rhondas closest friends announced her passing on her personal Instagram account, sharing the following sentiments. Early reports claim that coach Justin Miller was not receiving . . Prince's death came just days after the bodybuilding community was rocked by the passing of Ashley Gearhart as well. "We regret to inform you that our friend and brother . IFBB pro, nutritionist, and a beloved personal trainer, Mike Horn has made a name for himself as a man who cares about others more than himself. Known for his larger than life personality, his infectious smile, a gentle heart, and a sense of humor that was loved by fellow competitors and fans alike, Cedric will be deeply missed, the post reads. Just days before the Tampa Pro bodybuilding contest in 2017, Sean Harris fell asleep behind the wheel and died in a pretty tragic accident. Paul Poloczek, a 37-year-old bodybuilder, died just hours after the NPC Worldwide Championship in Germany. Bill manufactured and sold more Olympic bars and plates than anyone in history during his ownership of York Barbell. Legendary Canadian bodybuilding photographer Jimmy Caruso passed away in his home at the age of 95. Professional bodybuilder Lee Banks dies at 51. We've received your submission. Did you encounter any technical issues? We remained friends for over 30 years. Sadly, Shawn is the 4th Mr. Olympia winner to have passed away. Until 1971, NABBA Mr. Universe rivaled Mr. Olympia in terms of prestige. However, on Christmas Day and at 39, she was struck by a vehicle that killed her according to the reports. Reportedly, George was found with blood around his nose which suggests that his passing could be related to an aneurysm. Srdoc served some time after being in trouble with the law and subsequently, was also in several media ads due to his tough and vascular look. Copyright 2010 - 2022 Fitness Volt IBC. Teen California title in 1989, NPC Mr. California in 1998, and National Physique Committee (NPC) competitions in 2003 and 2009.. Piana was popular in the weightlifting community for his bodybuilding achievements, openness about . Dallas McCarver. 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. @aleksandar.srdoc, Posted by Petar Klanir IFBB Pro onThursday, April 23, 2020. While he did have a lengthy stay in the hospital, he did recover and was released a short time later. 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. Above all, Cedric McMillan was a husband and a father, and we send our most heartfelt condolences to his family during this incredibly difficult time, it reads. But Wilson would ultimately succumb to skin cancer at age 67. A post shared by Victor Martinez (@dominicandominator). Just days before the Tampa Pro bodybuilding contest in 2017, Sean Harris fell asleep behind the wheel and died in a pretty tragic accident. Less than three days before the 2021 Olympia weekend, one of the most popular stars of the 212 division tragically passed away. Kawak passed away in 2006 at the young age of 47. The late world-renowned bodybuilder, Shawn Rhoden, left the world, leaving behind his daughter, whom he shared with his ex-wife Michelle Sugar. The 62 Italian bodybuilder reportedly suffered from a heart condition that resulted in a heart attack. 5. Like many others in his generation, Mike decided to try his hand at boxing inspired by 'Rocky Balboa'. 2:45 PM on Apr 25, 2022 CDT. His first show was the 1994 Chicago Pro where he placed 11th. Mitchell suffered his first heart attack after winning his fifth World Fitness Federation title in 2006. Dave died early this morning. A 29-year-old personal trainer died from a caffeine overdose in 2021, an inquest heard. As a result, Mentzer boycotted the 1981 Olympia and retired soon after at the age of 29. Bodybuilder dies untimely. The death of Tiffany-Victoria Enriquez was an absolutely devastating one. According to Generation Iron, McMillan suffered a heart attack while he was working out on a treadmill. Our prayers are with all his family and friends. Watch:Ronnie Coleman Wants Prescribed Steroid Use In Bodybuilding. Gone to soon, rest in peace. Yes, if your goal is to get in shape and you have no intentions of competing or using any drug. Shawn Roden, aka Flexatron, age 46 died unexpectedly on 11/10/21 from a "suspected heart attack." He won Mr. Olympia at age 43 (oldest bodybuilder to capture the title). 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. Date of Death: July 19, 2017. Cedric McMillan, aworld-class bodybuilderand former U.S. Army instructor at Fort Jackson in South Carolina, died earlier this week, according to multiple reports. Make no mistake, this article is not about dissing the pro bodybuilders or their choices. Check Out:Nathan De Asha Ordered To Pay Thousands From Illegal Steroid Bust Or Face Prison Time. His wife Laree Draper wrote . He toldGeneration Ironhe was put on life support. Although he had returned to his routine training soon after the incident, he was found unconscious in his home in August 2017. Poloczek is the second prominent bodybuilder to die young in recent months. Updated Hi, friends, as the word's getting out, I wanted to let you know so there's no confusion. Croatian bodybuilder Aleksandar Srdoc made a name for himself in his native land having competed for more than a decade. Cedric McMillan recently passed away on April 12 at the age of 44. With this victory, he became the oldest person to win the Mr. Olympia title at age 43. The company didnt provide further details around McMillans death. He was also the author of the book Brother Iron, Sister Steel. An incredible athlete/bodybuilder all while serving his country and being a stand up guy. 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. Mariola Sabanovic-Suarez passed awaytragically only days after Tampa Pro. Shawn continued with, "Every day you teach me something new princess. As he explained to me, after 25 years of steroid use, his bodys connective tissue was essentially coming apart at the seams. 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. 21 Bodybuilders who Died of Heart Attacks. "Cedric will be greatly missed as an athlete, comrade, friend, and father. 7 weeks shy of his 92nd birthday. No cause of death had been announced. Irvine won the prestigious Mr. Canada Junior title in 1957, at the age of 20, in bodybuilding and strength. The bodybuilding world was shaken when news that two-time Ms. Olympia Figure winner Jenny Lynn died in her sleep. The Father of Natural Bodybuilding passed away from a heart attack in November 2020. He won his first title at the age of 24. McMillan won multiple titles and became a star in the world of bodybuilding and fitness, as well as serving for more than 20 years in the US Army, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant First Class, the post continues. This video is to pay tribute to all the Great Female Bodybuilders/Fitness Models. Bodybuilder George Peterson -- AKA "Da Bull" -- unexpectedly passed away this week at only 37, just days before he was scheduled to compete in a top bodybuilding competition . McCarvers heart weighed around 833 gms, almost three times the size of a normal human heart (300 gms). Marnul was also a renowned bodybuilding coach that is known for being Women's Bodybuilding sensation Tonya Knight has died at 56 following a battle with cancer. The report seeks to understand why an "unusually large number of professional and amateur soccer players have collapsed recently.". John Meadows suffered a heart attack in May of 2020, which was caused by blood clots. Related: Bodybuilding Community Reacts To Tragic Loss Of Franco Columbu. Chester won the prestigious Mr. American and Mr. Universe bodybuilding competitions. He also worked for numerous charities and continued to do so while pursuing pro bodybuilding. By today's standards his physique would be considered small but his symmetry, round full muscle bellies and superb muscularity made him a worthy competitor and threat in every show he competed in. Received With His Mr. Olympia Wins Compared to His Investment in Bodybuilding He is most known for his iconic imagery of the bodybuilding greats from the Golden Era of the industry. Apparently, she passed in her sleep. Professional bodybuilder Lee Banks dies at 51. Known as "The Blonde Bomber", Dave Draper died on the morning of Nov. 30, 2021, at the age of 79. Twice during his prep, Mike awoke to find himself, at deaths door. He was so fatigued that he couldnt even raise his arms, and had to stay in bed for the remainder of the day. A month earlier, another renowned bodybuilder, Cedric McMillan had passed away after suffering a heart attack at the age of 44. Kovacs died of a heart attack in 2013 at the age of 44. Today, we remember several names some you may know of, and some you may not. Next Read:Arnold Schwarzenegger Remembers the Late Chet Yorton. How Old Is Yvette Bova? She went on to win her IFBB Pro Card at the 1995 Canadian Nationals. @cedricmcmillan was a father, a friend, a competitor, a man of uniform, a man of many hats who always knew how to make other people laugh and make everyone around him feel like family, he wrote Tuesday. His best placing at a pro show was a seventh-place finish at 1990 Mr. Olympia. Exercises to Reduce Hip Dips Do They Work? 1980 was the year when the Governator made his comeback and won the Sandow. Durr accomplished a lot before his bodybuilding career. Mike Horn would collapse on March 26th, before passing away 13 days later, from a heart attack at the age of 55. He was 44. Contrary to what many people believe, Dallas Big Country McCarvers demise was not so sudden. He was 79. 8. He was invited to the U.S. Olympic weightlifting team in 1980. He also took home fifth place in Mr. Universe in 1997. A post shared by MUSCLE INSIDER (@muscleinsider). Greg Kovac was not really an aesthetically appealing bodybuilder, especially towards the end of his career. But more importantly, Pumping Iron and Pumping Iron 2 helped popularize bodybuilding and weight training to the masses. He has also appeared in One Day Removals, City of Hell,and Skyfall. Everywhere you like it seems that bodybuilders are suffering untimely deaths that leaves everyone scratching their heads. Most people remember Mike Mentzer from the 1980 Olympia where they felt he got an unfair fifth placing. Although they were able to revive him and call paramedics, Atwood passed away at a nearby hospital at the age of 37. He placed first in the super-heavyweight class of the Junior USA. Cedric McMillan pictured on March 7, 2020. Anytime we hear of another fitness icon that has passed, it seems to tear away a piece of us that just cant be replaced. Not only was Dusting regarded as an amazing coach, but also an outstanding competitor, earning an impressive 8 National Body Building Championship Titles. His theory was popular back in the late 70's and 80's and we covered it extensively in Musclemag. "We regret to inform you that our friend and brother @cedricmcmillan passed away today," Black Skull USA said Tuesday on Instagram. Famous Austrian bodybuilder Kurt Marnul has passed away. Poloczek is the second prominent bodybuilder to die young in recent months. . In July, female bodybuilder Odalis Santos Mena, 23, suffered cardiac arrest and died following a botched operation to stop her excess underarm sweat. Although hed return to IFBB competition even competing at the 1994 Olympia of which he did not place. Poloczek, who was born in Poland but spent most of his life in Germany, leaves behind a wife and young daughter. She suffered cardiac arrest after receiving anaesthesia and died shortly afterwards. Coroners pointed to a lethal combination of the steroid Mena was taking and the anesthetic, The New York Post reports. RIP my sweet soul.. Mr America, 4-time Mr Universe, strongman stunt practitioner, and above all a gentleman and man of . Daves incredible physique earned him a role alongside starring actress Sharon Tate, in the 1967 comedy Dont Make Waves. Heres what Arnold had to say on the passing of George: When I think about all of the people who were responsible for the growth of bodybuilding and the sports crossover to the mainstream, two of the first people to come to mind are, without any doubt, George Butler and Charles Gaines. Benedict XVI became pope in 2005 and resigned in 2013, citing . Related:Jay Cutler: People Are Running Scared From Bodybuilding After Recent Deaths. Your email address will not be published. He is perhaps best know for placing 2nd to Lee Priest at the PDI Night of . 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. Frank Calta. Vince Comerford burst onto the bodybuilding scene at age 26 by winning the middleweight division at the 1987 NPC Nationals. The warning signs of waning health started showing soon after. At 50 years of age, Michael died at Hospice Fredericton on February 21, 2021. In recent years, evidence has emerged of cases of heart failure related to AAS consumption, with no signs of coronary or aorta atherosclerosis. Background Several fatal cases of bodybuilders, following a myocardial infarction after long exposure to androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS), are reported.