IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Murat Gonul Dead at 46

Turkish-Canadian IFBB pro bodybuilder Murat Gonul has reportedly passed away at just 46 years old. The news was first made available by RxMuscle; his cause of death has yet to be revealed. 

Born in Istanbul, Turkey, on January 6, 1977, Murat Gonul’s passion for bodybuilding was on full display anytime he graced a stage. He first made waves in the IFBB at a pair of pro shows in 2019 while sporting a fantastic v-taper and balanced proportions.

He finished 14th in his pro debut at the New York Pro, a contest many in the sport recognize as the third most prestigious bodybuilding event, behind only the Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia competitions. He followed that up with a seventh-place finish at the Niagara Falls Pro. 

Known for making steady improvements, he opted to compete at the 2021 Toronto Pro Supershow, where he walked away in fifth place. His final performance would come a year later again at the 2022 Toronto Pro Supershow. He proved himself against elite talent, though ultimately placed second to Hossein Kalateh. 

IFBB Pro Murat Gonul Dies at 46 Years Old, Cause of Death Still Unknown

On January 10, 2023, sources from Rx Muscle first announced the tragic passing of Murat Gonul. 

At the time of this writing, details surrounding his death are sparse, but Rx Muscle offered as much information as possible. 

In the days/weeks to come, a GoFundMe page will be created to help with Gonul’s funeral costs and any other expenses his family/loved ones have incurred. 

Gonul’s passing is the latest reminder of how dangerous bodybuilding can be. In 2021, a number of athletes shook the community after passing away. Former Mr. Olympia Shawn Rhoden and George Peterson both met their fates, and many believe heart problems played a factor. 

Meanwhile, the disturbing trend continued in 2022, which saw Cedric McMillan die at 44. While some have suspected heart problems to be at play, his wife issued a statement explaining that his cause of death is still uncertain. 

Jerry Ward, a popular IFBB/NPC judge and bodybuilder died in his hotel room at 46. According to his wife and medical examiners, Ward’s death was caused by deep vein thrombosis.

Considering how many athletes have died as of late, even seven-time Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger suggested bodybuilding has become the most dangerous sport in the world. Recently, Arnold went as far to say that athletes are risking death, especially Men’s Open bodybuilders who focus on size and muscularity more so than other divisions. 

Murat Gonul’s Competition History

• 2nd — (2022) IFBB Toronto Pro Supershow Men’s 212
  
• 5th — (2021) IFBB Toronto Pro Supershow Men’s 212
  
• 14th — (2019) IFBB New York Pro Men’s 212
  
• 7th — (2019) IFBB Niagra Falls Pro Men’s 212
• 9th — (2018) IFBB Romania Muscle Fest Pro Men’s 212
• 1st — (2018) IFBB Iron Rebel Europe Show Bodybuilding 90kg
• 3rd — (2014)  NAC Universe Championships Men Class III
• 1st — (2013)  NAC Universe Championships Overall
• 1st — (2013)  NAC Universe Championships Medium
• 4th — (2012)  NABBA World Championships Men Class III
• 5th — (2010) NAC Universe Championships Men Class III
• 1st — (2010) IFBB Turkey Championship[1] Overall
• 1st — (2010) IFBB  Turkey Championship Bodybuilding 85kg
• 7th — (2007) WABBA World Championship Short
• 4th — (2006) WABBA World Championship Short
• 14th — (2004) IFBB Europe Championship Bodybuilding 80kg
• 2nd — (2004) IFBB Europe and Mediterranean Championship Bodybuilding 70kg
• 1st — (2000) IFBB Turkey World Championship Bodybuilding 70kg

RELATED: Bodybuilder Zoltán Vida Dies of COVID-19 Complications

Should new details emerge in regard to Murat Gonul’s death, Fitness Volt will keep you updated on this developing story.

Staff at FV wish Gonul’s family and friends our deepest condolences while they navigate through this difficult time. 

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