THROUGHOUT 2023 the fitness world said goodbye to many beloved bodybuilders.
Here we take a look at those who sadly passed away this year.
Which bodybuilders have died in 2023?
Neil Currey
In September 2023, bodybuilder and Mr Olympia star Neil Curry died aged 34.
No official confirmation for Currey's death was given, but the Daily Mail reported that his wife said he'd taken his own life following a long battle with PTSD from his time serving in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The athlete’s death was revealed by his former mentor and fellow bodybuilding star Milos Sarcev.
He said: ''My last/best memory of him was this smiling face after he won New York Pro and fulfilled his lifetime dream of qualifying for the Mr. Olympia.
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"I am lost for words and filled with pain and sadness. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and loved ones. RIP Neil and God bless your soul."
The late star made a name for himself at several high-profile bodybuilding events, eventually winning the 2022 New York Pro competition.
Justyn Vicky
On July 15, 2023, bodybuilder, nutritional advisor and personal trainer Justyn Vicky died aged 33, following a tragic accident at a gym in Sanur, Bali.
The young fitness influencer was attempting to squat-press 460lb when the horror accident took place.
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The 33-year-old was rushed to a local hospital with a broken neck and critical compression of vital nerves connecting to his heart and lungs.
He tragically died shortly after an emergency operation, despite the surgeons' best efforts.
Jo Lindner
On June 30, 2023, the bodybuilding community were left heartbroken once more following the passing of German bodybuilder and fitness influencer Jo Lindner.
Jo, known online as Joesthetics, died suddenly of an aneurysm in his girlfriend's arms at the age of 30, following neck pain.
The late star found fame through his bodybuilding routines and fitness content shared online with fans and followers.
Matthew Beddow
Brave bodybuilder Matthew Beddow passed away suddenly at home on August 9, an inquest earlier this year heard.
The coroner's office said Mr Beddow was single and unemployed due to sickness at the time of his death — but was well known locally as a bodybuilder.
Years prior to his passing, the bodybuilder had hit headlines after he fought of a savage 13 stone bullmastiff as it attacked a babysitter who had her leg and arm bit off in 2006.
Lisa Lyon
In September 2023, legendary women's professional bodybuilder and world champion Lisa Lyon passed away following a battle with cancer.
Lyon rose to stardom after becoming a champion and helped to make women's bodybuilding mainstream.
She won the first-ever International Federation of Bodybuilders Woman's World Pro Bodybuilding Championship in 1979.
Her achievements in the sport were recognized as she was inducted into the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Hall of Fame in 2000.
Lyon later went on to pose for Playboy before transitioning into the world of television and acting.
She was 70-years-old at the time of her death.
Catalin Stefanescu
In July 2023, it was reported that bodybuilding champion and fitness trainer Catalin Stefanescu had mysteriously died at the age of 30.
The athlete's body was found in a 3ft deep in the village of Lazuri in Romania's Dambovita County — where the late champion had been fishing with a friend.
According to local media, Stefanescu was a member of the national team for the 2020 Balkan Championship.
Hugo Sergio
In the early hours of July, 29, 2023, bodybuilder and personal trainer Hugo Sergio died aged 30.
The late bodybuilder was hailed a hero after he died saving his wife, daughter and family pet following a blaze at their apartment in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Tragically, Hugo ended up trapped inside and perished while rescuing his family.
Thanks to Hugo's selfless actions, the family dog survived as well as his wife and daughter, who were taken to hospital.
Gustavo Badell
In July 2023, legendary bodybuilder Gustavo Badell, also known as The Freakin Rican, died in July this year aged 50.
Badell's defining career moment came in 2005 when he eliminated both Coleman and Cutler in the Mr. Olympia competition’s challenger round.
Over the course of his career, Badell appeared on some of the biggest stages and earned victories over the likes of Dexter Jackson, Chris Cormier and Victor Martinez.
Tonya Knight
In February, 2023, it was reported that champion bodybuilder Tonya Knight had passed away aged 56 following a lengthy battle with cancer.
Tonya was an American champion bodybuilder who was born in Peculiar, Missouri, on March 24, 1966.
She became a celebrated figure among female fitness fans as a pioneer of women pumping weights in the 1980s.
In 1988, the mum-of-one first rose to fame when she finished fourth in the esteemed Ms Olympia competition at age 22.
She also starred on the TV show American Gladiators until 1992.
Amy Richardson
Amy Richardson passed away in January at the age of 49 following a battle with ill health.
The powerlifting athlete's death came weeks after she battled pneumonia, according to reports.
Officials at CJ’s Elite Competition Suits said their hearts were “left heavy” following the bodybuilder's death.
They said: “She always had a big smile, a laugh, and a sarcastic word. We will miss her so much.”
Richardson experienced success in bodybuilding competitions, including placing second in the over 40s event at the Master's World Pro event, according to Generation Iron.
She also finished ninth in the Women's Physique category at the Lenda Murray Savannah Pro.
Eustácio Batista
Ex-bodybuilding champion Eustácio Batista was shot dead by two assassins during a training session on October 17 inside a gym in Botucatu, São Paulo — and was recorded by the building's CCTV cameras.
The assassins were able to track down the victim through his Instagram profile – where Estacio regularly posted gym updates with location.
Eustácio, 27, was shot multiple times at point-blank range before he collapsed on the ground.
Eustácio Batista Dias was a national champion in the Men’s Physique Junior category in 2018.
He also won the prestigious 2019 State Championship award in Espiritu Santo, close to Rio de Janeiro.
Raechelle Chase
Raechelle Chase was a fitness influencer, social media celebrity and former bodybuilder from New Zealand who died in October 2023, with her cause of death still unknown.
According to reports she passed away suddenly and the New Zealand Coroner is currently investigating the death due to the unexpected nature.
A spokesman for the New Zealand Ministry of Justice said: "Given the recent nature of the death, no further information is available at this stage.”
Her career started in bodybuilding where she became the first Kiwi woman to have taken part in the Figure Olympia bodybuilding event back in 2011 in Las Vegas.
She later became an "internet sensation" getting a whopping 1.4million Facebook followers.
Dawn Whitham
Bodybuilding star Dawn Whitham died after battling stage four brain cancer for months.
The former powerlifting ace, 57, passed away on February 14 — Valentines Day — a statement on her Facebook page said.
Whitham won the heavyweight division at the NPC Atlantic States Championship in 1992.
In 2005 she came second in the heavyweight class at the Atlantic States Championship.
The sportswoman was also known for her powerlifting accolades.
In one competition, she completed an impressive 405-pound squat for six reps.
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She also recorded sets of 32 reps on a 185-pound bench press.
Whitham, from Connecticut, frequently documented her battle with the illness on social media.
You’re Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You're Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
- Movember, www.uk.movember.com
- Anxiety UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk, 03444 775 774 Monday-Friday 9.30am-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm
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