BREAKING: Franco Columbu Passes Away At Age 78

The bodybuilding community is once again rocked by some sad news. Bodybuilding pioneer Franco Columbu has passed away, following an incident on a boat.

Update: Remembering The Life of The Legendary Franco Columbu also read Heartbroken Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bodybuilding Community Reacts To Tragic Loss 

According to multiple Italian news outlets, the 78-year-old tragically lost his life earlier today. This occurred due to complications from an incident at sea.

The details are currently scarce, but apparently Columbu was transported to the hospital. Unfortunately, there was nothing that could be done, as he would lose his life.

View this post on Instagram

One of the shepherd dogs in Ollolai. One of 3 that I saw from the litter. When I visit they will be much bigger and working with the sheep.

A post shared by Franco Columbu Official (@francocolumbu) on Apr 8, 2019 at 2:57pm PDT

Columbu was a legendary bodybuilder, known for being a close friend and training partner to Arnold Schwarzenegger. Additionally, he held the title of Mr. Universe, along with countless other accolades. He was a huge inspiration to bodybuilders worldwide, and he was a legend in the sport.

The news of this tragic passing has lead several people, to send messages of condolences. Columbu was adored around the globe, for his contributions to bodybuilding. Rich Gaspari in particular, left this heartfelt message on Instagram:

View this post on Instagram

I am sad to get the news that my boyhood hero and bodybuilding icon @francocolumbu has passed away at the age of 78 in Sardinia at sea. He was one of the bodybuilders to inspire me being of shorter height and Italian. Franco had one of the best lat spread and was known for his strength. #rip

A post shared by Richard Gaspari (@richgaspari) on Aug 30, 2019 at 8:58am PDT

“I am sad to get the news that my boyhood hero and bodybuilding icon. @francocolumbu has passed away at the age of 78 from a boating accident.
He was one of the bodybuilders to inspire me being of shorter height and Italian. Franco had one of the best lat spread and was known for his strength.”

View this post on Instagram

#francocolumbo #rip Columbu was 78 passed away. We are saddened by the passing of the legendary Franco Columbu. Early reports from an Italian media outlet indicate that Columbu died as a result of an "accident at sea" in his native Sardinia.

A post shared by FitnessVolt (@fitnessvoltnetwork) on Aug 30, 2019 at 10:35am PDT

Franco Columbo started competing in bodybuilding in 1966, winning multiple titles. He competed in, and won several Mr. Universe competitions. Additionally, he would end up winning the Mr. Olympia twice. Moreover, he ventured into the world of strongman competitions, and powerlifting. He even briefly dabbled in boxing.

FitnessVolt will update you, as more information becomes available about what happened. Franco Columbu touched the lives of many people over the years.

He truly was one of the legends of bodybuilding. Columbu was a pioneer in the early days of the sport. Condolences to the friends and family of this bodybuilding great.