José Antonio “Jocha” Hernández Torres, one of Spain’s most impressive bodybuilders, has sadly died. News of his passing was confirmed on social media on July 6.
As of this writing, his cause of death has not been revealed. However, the funeral was expected to take place on Monday. Throughout the years, Torres built an incredible legacy in bodybuilding, helping grow the sport into an international phenomenon.
Torres was a die-hard bodybuilder focused on constant improvement. His dedication to training intensity and muscle-building was apparent any time he was under a bar or holding a dumbbell. The highest moment of his career came in 2004, when he laid claim to the prestigious Mr. Universe title.
Torres was also a six-time bodybuilding champion in Spain and the Overall Champion of the Netherlands. Beyond the stage lights, he also managed to become a Spanish boxing champion. With his death shaking up the industry, fans and athletes gathered to pay tribute.
2000s Bodybuilding Icon José Antonio “Jocha” Hernández Torres Passes Away at 57
The Associations of La Verdellada (San Cristóbal de La Laguna) released a statement following Torres’s passing at 57, remembering him as an influential bodybuilding ambassador:
“A sad loss for island sport. Jose Antonio Hernandez Torres, known as “Jocha”, passed away, a true legend from Tinerfeña who stood out globally in bodybuilding and boxing.”
“Over 40 years of experience and dedication to elite and neighborhood sport. From Boxing Canarias World we want to pass on our deepest condolences to family and friends. Rest in peace Jocha🌹” the statement read.
Fans took to the comment section to share their condolences:
“I had the pleasure of taking him many times in my taxi, great human being R.I.P. 😢”
“Rest in Peace, how much youth was by your side, you will not die because you will remain in the memory of all of them, nice, friendly, full of stories, champion, I am a mother of two children who learned with you, today two men, last night he woke me up and said: mom died Jocha, what sadness has given us. A hug to all his family ❤️”
“Rest in peace…. 💫💫💫💫💫💫🙏🏻”
“I trained a lot with him in his gym.. RIP”
Sadly, this hasn’t been the only death to ripple throughout the community. Fitness influencer Connor Murphy passed away after drowning in Thailand at 32. His body was recovered from a lake in Samut Prakan after an incident at a rented home.
José Antonio “Jocha” Hernández Torres has cemented his place in Spanish bodybuilding history. Our team at Fitness Volt wishes his friends and family our deepest condolences as they navigate the loss.
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