Bodybuilding and powerlifting veteran Dawn Whitham made a name for herself competing in the regional circuit in the late 1980s and onwards. The news of her passing was sadly revealed on February 14, 2023 via Facebook. No information on the exact cause of death has been revealed, though she had been battling brain cancer.
Dawn Whitham first gained attention as a powerlifter for her insane strength. During her career, she managed to crush a massive 405-pound squat for six reps and a 405-pound bench press for three reps. Other than those achievements, she also recorded crazy sets of 32 reps on a 185-lb bench press and an unreal 63 reps performing 225-lb squats.
Following a successful run in powerlifting, Whitham decided to step away from the sport and explore her passion for bodybuilding. She took home the top prize in the Medium category at the Ms. USA – AAU in 1990. Then, she found a home competing in the NPC league. She turned in an impressive performance at the 1992 Atlantic States Championships, winning the heavyweight class and the overall title.
Here at Yale getting treatment today just the Opdivo today! Kicking butt, staying positive! Still fighting this brain…
Posted by Dawn Whitham-Hartley on Wednesday, November 9, 2022
Whitham switched to the Masters’ category towards the end of her career. In 2005, Whitham narrowly missed out on winning the Heavyweight class at the Atlantic States Championships as she placed runner-up behind winner Lena Sanchez. She also participated in the Masters’ category and finished in the top five.
Besides fitness, Whitham also enjoyed art and worked as a tattoo artist in her own tattoo parlor. She maintained a passion for fitness despite moving on from the bodybuilding stages decades ago. In November 2022, Whitham shared an update from the hospital expressing her excitement for a training session at her own gym later that day.
bodybuilding world mourns Dawn Whitham as she passes away at 57
In a recent post made on her official Facebook page, it was announced that bodybuilding and powerlifting veteran Dawn Whitham passed away on Feb. 14 at the age of 57.
Many users paid their respects in the comments section.
“DAWN MARIE WHITHAM
JUNE 23, 1965 – FEB 14, 2023.”A user commented: “Omg. Dawn the bravest warrior I’ve ever seen. My heart is broken. Such an enormous loving soul who brought so much joy to all of us. I always prayed she would by some miracle beat this RIP beautiful friend.”
“I am so so sorry for your loss,” another weighed in. “Dawn was an inspiration to me and all cancer suffered. May she rest in eternal peace.”
“She will be missed a hard-working, wonderful person,” wrote a user.
“No one in the world could have fought as hard and remained as resilient as Daw,” commented another. “Bob my heart goes out to you. She was larger than life. Please hang in there, you too have showed amazing strengths. My love and sympathies to her biological family and to the rest of her Friend Family (Us). She has been such an inspiration in so many ways.”
DAWN MARIE WHITHAMJUNE 23, 1965 – FEB 14, 2023
Posted by Dawn Whitham-Hartley on Tuesday, February 14, 2023
As of late, other bodybuilders have suffered untimely deaths from cancer. Iconic 1990s Women’s Bodybuilder Tonya Knight tragically lost her life following a cancer diagnosis. In addition, strongman and powerlifter Hayden Lee left behind a lasting legacy after passing away from cancer at just 26.
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"THIS" is what I want to get back to!! I don't want to compete anymore, but to train and looking I want is all I want. I…
Posted by Dawn Whitham-Hartley on Wednesday, June 8, 2022
Fitness Volt sends condolences to the friends and family of Whitham during this difficult time.
Published: 16 February, 2023 | 5:18 PM EDT
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