BREAKING: Rich Piana has died, nearly 3 weeks after placed in a medically induced coma following a medical emergency at his home in Florida. He was 46.
This week has been really tough for the bodybuilding community. First, we received the heartbreaking news that Dallas McCarver died and today Rich Piana passed away.
Update: Chanel Jansen just posted a heartfelt message on Instagram
I will always remember how much I love holding his hand
I will always remember how I felt so loved when he would wake up and kiss me on the forehead
I will always remember how I had it great with the love of my life
I will always remember I was loved by the most amazing man I’ve ever known
I will always remember there’s a hole in my heart where he will always belong
I will always remember that someday when it’s my time-he will fill that space inside me and I’ll be whole again ❤
We just finished watching the Notebook yesterday and I said ‘That’s how it was supposed to be. We were supposed to go together. So when it’s my time someday-come find me and take me where we’re supposed to go because I don’t want to go anywhere without you’.
Earlier today Rich Piana’s estranged wife Sara Piana confirmed this news:
‘You truly touched many people’s heart and helped so many!!! It inspired me in many ways to see the huge impact you had on people all over the world,’ Sara Piana wrote in a Facebook post announcing her estranged husband’s death.
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I’m in tears writing this that @1dayumay has just passed away. I can barely believe this… I am so saddened & heartbroken that he didn’t make it. I just want to say THANK YOU Rich for teaching me so much about life, whether it was the easy or the hard way. We had our ups and downs but we sure had an awesome time in each other’s presence along with us fighting through some dark times together. You truly touched many people’s heart and helped so many!!! It inspired me in many ways to see the huge impact you had on people all over the world. Not many people know that me and him are STILL legally married till this day despite all rumors. I have NOTHING to gain by saying that but want everyone to know the truth. I know that people say stuff on social media but I truly am not the “bad” person people think I am.
I actually saved Rich’s life 1 time before, glad I was there for him at that time. Rich, I hope you feel better now in heaven and that you’re up there healthy, smiling & telling everyone “how it is, being REAL & doing your thing”. Rest In Peace my dear husband.
#GoneButNeverForgotten #RichPiana #RIP ? ??❤️. P.S. I want to wish my deepest condolence to Chanel @c_no5 and thanking her for being there for him, loving him & showing him support. You’re an angel.
We will all miss him so much, may his soul & spirit Rest In Peace Forever??.
XOXO Sara Piana.
Rich Piana collapsed while getting a haircut on August 7. His girlfriend, Chanel Jansen, tried to revive him but was unable to wake him. Piana was transported to a nearby hospital where he was placed into a medically induced coma – but was unable to recover.
The District Six Medical Examiner in Florida confirms Piana passed away early Friday morning at the hospital.
Neither Rich’s girlfriend Chanel or 5 Percent have confirmed his death but hundreds of tributes were earlier posted on social media.
The details of the cause of death are sketchy. We will update with more information as it becomes available.
Tribute: In memory of Rich Piana
Our thoughts and prayers go out to friends and family at this time. Pay your tributes in the comments section and please be respectful during this period.