The 5 Bodybuilders Who Died In 2017

The year 2017 has been truly crushing for bodybuilding fans as the community has suffered some terrible losses. Rich Piana slipped into a coma and eventually passed away while young and talented Dallas McCarver lost his life at the age of 26. When you couple that with the tragedies being reported from last few months, it’s easy to say the year 2017 has proven to be one of the most difficult years for the bodybuilding & fitness community.

Here are the few deaths we have reported this year:

Sifiso Lungelo Thabethe

Sifiso Lungelo Thabethe a young South African bodybuilder and IFBB Junior World Champion suffered an unfortunate fate as he sustained a broken neck while attempting a backflip. Thabete stayed motionless on the ground before officials ran to assist him.

Sifiso Lungelo Thabeth passed away on August 5, 2017, at the age of 23.

Dallas McCarver

Dallas McCarver died after he apparently choked on his food at home. Some drama has hit the stage in March at the 2017 Arnold Classic Australia. Dallas McCarver has dropped out of the finals for the Arnold Classic Australia after earlier collapsing during the prejudging.

An autopsy report revealed, enlarged liver and kidneys, nephrosclerosis (a hardened liver), heavy lungs, and a papillary thyroid carcinoma. Prior medical history includes cholesterol issues (high LDL/ low HDL), elevated aminotransferase levels, a chronic cough and shortness of breath, and childhood asthma. Check the complete report here.

Dallas McCarver died on August 22, 2017, at the age of 26.

Rich Piana

Rich Piana died nearly 3 weeks after placed in a medically induced coma following a medical emergency at his home in Florida. The autopsy report did not answer any significant questions other than the fact that Rich Piana had some serious health issues that lead to his death. Check the complete report here.

While the death of Rich Piana remains inconclusive, it appears Rich Piana snorted Pre-Workout Prior To Death… Read more.

Rich Piana passed away on August 25, 2017, at the age of 45.

Meegan Hefford

Meegan Hefford, a professional bodybuilder, and mother of two died after an overconsumption of protein shakes, supplements, and protein-rich foods. She was working hard in lead up to a bodybuilding competition, unaware she suffered from a rare genetic disorder which meant her body was unable to digest protein properly. Urea cycle disorder caused a build-up of ammonia in her bloodstream and fluid in her brain which ultimately led to lost brain function. Hefford was found unconscious in her apartment in West Australia and was quickly transported to the hospital, where she was declared brain-dead. Her final cause of death was ruled an “intake of bodybuilding supplements” in addition to the undiagnosed illness.

Meegan Hefford passed away on 22 June 2017 at the age of 25.

Michael Bekoev

Ukrainian bodybuilder Michael Bekoev died of a heart attack. He passed away on 19 July 2017 at the age of 54.

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