In early August, fitness influencer and Women’s Bodybuilder Hayley McNeff died unexpectedly at just 37 years old. On Nov. 11, 2025, it was revealed that her death was accidental from a number of drugs found in her system.
Brenna Galvin, the Deputy Director of Communications for Massachusetts’s Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, explained in a statement that she died from acute intoxication of heroin, fentanyl, 4-ANPP, cocaine, and norbuprenorphine.
“Hayley was like a beam of light in this world. She had boundless energy and was very determined to achieve whatever she set out to do,” Hayley’s father Dave shared with PEOPLE in an exclusive statement. “She set her sights on bodybuilding and fitness and achieved the highest success that sector offered. She loved us and we love Hayley very much, we miss her madly.”
Bodybuilder Hayley McNeff’s Cause of Death: Accidental Overdose Involving Fentanyl, Heroin, and Cocaine
Hayley McNeff was a fan favorite in the bodybuilding community, celebrated for her quick wit and infectious personality. In addition to holding her own at top-tier bodybuilding contests, she made waves in entertainment.
McNeff was featured in Raising the Bar, a series of bodybuilding documentaries directed by Mike Pulcinella. In an era without social media, these projects provided fans with an intimate glimpse into the life of a bodybuilder. This helped her star power, turning her into a popular ambassador of the sport.
Her obituary paid respect to how she helped others throughout her career, both on and off the stage.
“She had a gift for making those around her laugh and feel welcomed,” the obituary read. “Her energy and determination was a constant in her life and she always accomplished what she set out to achieve.
She treasured her friendships and nurtured strong, lasting relationships with those who knew her best. Hayley will be deeply missed by her parents, siblings, extended family, and friends.”
Sadly, this wasn’t the first time fans have seen a bodybuilder die young from a drug overdose. 22-year-old bodybuilder Raymond Thomson left the community grieving after paramedics failed to resuscitate him from a suspected overdose.
Classic Physique IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Fabiano Andrade also passed away recently. While an official cause of death hasn’t been revealed, fans in his Instagram comment sections have pointed to an accident. The news was shocking, given that he just competed a few weeks ago at the 2025 Musclecontest Brasil Pro.
Our team at Fitness Volt wishes Hayley McNeff’s friends and family strength as they continue to navigate the loss.
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