The bodybuilding world mourns the loss of American IFBB Pro athlete Douglas Fruchey, who passed away at the age of 36 on June 15, 2024.
Fruchey, known for his 300-pound ripped physique, unwavering dedication, and inspiring journey, leaves behind a legacy that will forever be etched in the minds of his fans.
Douglas’ wife, Carli (an IFBB Women’s Physique athlete), confirmed the heartbreaking news of his sudden passing on Instagram.
“Rest peacefully my sweet Moosey ♥️” — Carli Fruchey
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Fruchey’s six-week absence from Instagram, a platform he was typically active on, suggests he may have been facing health challenges leading up to his passing.
According to Brad Rowe, a close friend of Douglas Fruchey, Fruchey was found deceased in his apartment on June 14, 2024. The discovery of his death has been particularly shocking due to the circumstances surrounding his prior disappearance. Rowe acknowledged that Fruchey had been grappling with personal issues, noting the internal struggles he faced despite his outward success. Rowe emphasized the importance of addressing men’s mental health, shedding light on the challenges Fruchey endured.
“Doug was a client, a peer, and a friend for almost a decade. He was a caring and humble human. Always seeking knowledge, always sharing his whenever he could, and always genuinely interested in how you were doing. Men—you are not alone. You are not a burden. You are enough. You are loved ❤️,” Rowe stated.
In an October 2023 podcast with powerlifter Mark Bell, Fruchey opened up about his past drug addiction and credited bodybuilding with saving his life. He replaced his drug addiction with a positive one — bodybuilding. Even though steroids are addictive, he felt they were a better addiction than the drugs he used before.
Fruchey competed as an amateur bodybuilder for four years before his breakthrough moment came at the 2020 NPC Worldwide Amateur Olympia Orlando, where he earned his IFBB Pro card and cemented his place among the sport’s elite athletes.
Per NPC News Online, Fruchey competed in five pro competitions, with his top placings being ninth at the 2022 New York Pro and Boston Pro. He didn’t compete in the 2024 competitive season.
Beyond competing, Fruchery was admired for his sportsmanship, humility, and genuine passion for helping others achieve their fitness goals. He served as an inspiration to countless aspiring bodybuilders, always willing to offer guidance and support.
Douglas Fruchey’s Career:
2022
- 2022 IFBB California State Pro — 10th
- 2022 IFBB New York Pro — 9th
- 2022 IFBB Boston Pro — 9th
2021
- 2021 IFBB Texas Pro — 10th
- 2021 IFBB Tampa Pro — 11th
2020
- 2020 NPC Worldwide Amateur Olympia Orlando — 2nd
- 2020 NPC USA Championships — 4th
2019
- 2019 NPC National Championships — 7th
- 2019 NPC North American Championships — 5th
2018
- 2018 NPC USA Championships — 8th
- 2018 NPC West Coast Classic — 1st
2017
- 2017 NPC USA Championships — 10th
- 2017 NPC California State Championships — 2nd
The cause of Fruchey’s passing remains unknown as of this writing. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
We at Fitness Volt join the bodybuilding community in mourning the loss of Douglas and send our condolences to his wife, Carli, family, and loved ones.
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