Women’s Physique bodybuilder Amy Richardson has passed away at 49 years old. In a recent Instagram post, she mentioned that she caught pneumonia and the flu while attending the 2022 Mr. Olympia Weekend.
After making a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada for 2022 Olympia, Amy revealed that she felt sick on December 25. The event took place from December 15 – 18. At the time of this writing, it’s unknown what caused her death.
“Lucky me…caught pneumonia and the flu while in Vegas….double whammy. Starting to feel a little better but lost lots of my gains…time to reset and restart. Thanks to my hubby who has been taking care of me… Merry Christmas everyone!,” Amy shared via Instagram.
Two days following the post above, Amy issued another update, revealing that she was now suffering from a painful rash all over her body.
“Oh great! Now I have a rash all over my body and it kinda hurts a little! Trifecta!! 😭
Hot fuckin mess!!” Richardson posted.
Amy’s last two posts on Instagram show her thanking her friends/family for the gifts she received while staying at the hospital.
IFBB Women’s Physique Bodybuilder Amy Richardson Dies at 49 Years Old
Hours after Richardson’s tragic death, her sponsor, CJ’s Elite Competition Suits paid its respects in an emotional statement.
“Our hearts are heavy today as we say goodbye to our Iron Sister @amyrichardson_ifbbpro_proplx2 today. She always had a big smile, a laugh and a sarcastic word. We will miss her so much! Our love and prayers go out to Amy’s family during this difficult time.”
During her bodybuilding tenure, Richardson competed in the Women’s Physique division as well as Masters. She secured fourth place at the 2021 Pittsburgh Pro Masters Championships. Additionally, she finished 16th at the Tampa Pro and fifth at the Tampa Pro in the Masters Over 40 division. Her last pro contest outside of Masters came in September at the 2022 Lenda Murray Savannah Pro, where she finished ninth.
Over the last few years, there have been a concerning number of bodybuilders passing away. In 2021, Shawn Rhoden died at 46 and 212 competitor George Peterson was found dead in his hotel room days before competing at Olympia.
The trend continued in 2022 when Cedric McMillian passed away in April. Months later, IFBB/NPC judge and ex-bodybuilder Jerry Ward was found dead at 49. According to his wife, Jerry’s death was caused by deep vein thrombosis. With so many casualties, veterans of the sport like Samir Bannout are urging athletes to prioritize their health.
Amy Richardson’s Competition History
- 2022 Daytona Pro (Women’s Physique Master’s Over 45) – 5th Place
- 2022 Daytona Pro (Women’s Physique Master’s Over 35) – 5th Place
- 2022 IFBB Lenda Murry Savannah Pro (Masters Over 40) – 4th Place
- 2022 IFBB Lenda Murry Savannah Pro (Women’s Physique Open) – 9th Place
- 2022 IFBB Maxfit Pro (Masters Over 45) – 4th Place
- 2022 IFBB Master’s World Pro (Masters Over 40) – 2nd place
- 2022 IFBB Omaha Pro (Women’s Physique Open) – 12th Place
- 2021 IFBB Tampa Pro (Masters Over 40) – 5th Place
- 2021 IFBB Tampa Pro (Women’s Physique Open) – 16th Place
- 2021 IFBB Pittsburgh Masters Championships (Masters Over 45) – 4th Place
As a consistent top-five Masters contest finisher and Army veteran, Amy Richardson was an exemplary role model. Should any new details emerge regarding her cause of death, we will keep you updated on the story.
RELATED: IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Murat Gonul Dead at 46
Staff at Fitness Volt wish her friends and family condolences during this difficult time.
Published: 26 January, 2023 | 1:14 PM EDT
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