Champion Bodybuilder’s Death at 37 Sparks Alarm Over Seventh Sudden Fatality in Six Months

Champion Bodybuilder Hayley McNeff Dies at 37: Seventh Sudden Death in Six Months Rocks Sport
By Jake Fenner, US Sports Writer | Updated: 19:07 BST, 14 August 2025

[IMAGE: Hayley McNeff posing on stage]
Caption: McNeff, a champion bodybuilder, won titles including the 2009 East Coast Classic.

Bodybuilding champion Hayley McNeff has died unexpectedly at age 37, marking the seventh sudden death in the sport over the past six months. The Massachusetts native passed away on August 8, with her obituary describing her death as “peaceful” though no cause has been disclosed. Funeral services are scheduled for Sunday.

McNeff, a former equestrian and UMass Amherst graduate, rose to fame in the 2000s, winning multiple bodybuilding titles and appearing in the 2016 documentary Raising the Bar. Reflecting on her career, she once said, “The quest for getting huge will never end. There’s no limit.” After retiring, she aimed to pursue a psychology graduate degree.

[IMAGE: McNeff in competition]
Caption: McNeff was featured in the documentary "Raising the Bar" during her competitive peak.

A Disturbing Trend
McNeff’s death adds to a grim pattern in the bodybuilding community:

• July 2025: Spanish star Lorena Blanco, 37, died of a suspected heart attack before the Ms. Olympia contest.
• June 2025: Colombian bodybuilder Zunilda Hoyos Mendez, 43, was murdered by her husband in Spain.
• May 2025: Brazilians Gui Bull, 30, died of asphyxiation, and Wanderson da Silva Moreira, 30, collapsed mid-competition.
• April 2025: German actor-bodybuilder Vito Pirbazari, 44, suffered a fatal heart attack on a treadmill.
• March 2025: Jodi Vance, 20, succumbed to cardiac arrest linked to severe dehydration.

[IMAGE: Collage of recent deceased bodybuilders]
Caption: The sport has lost seven athletes since March, sparking health concerns.

Health Risks in Bodybuilding
A 2025 study by the European Society of Cardiology warns that professional bodybuilders face five times higher risk of sudden cardiac death than amateurs. Extreme training, steroid use, dehydration for competitions, and intense dieting are cited as potential factors.

Community Reacts
Fans and peers flooded social media with tributes to McNeff, calling her a “legend” and “inspiration.” However, the string of tragedies has reignited debates over athlete safety and the long-term impacts of competitive bodybuilding.

McNeff’s family requests privacy during this time, emphasizing her legacy as a “fierce competitor and beloved friend.”

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[IMAGE: Bodybuilding competition stage]
Caption: Events like Ms. Olympia continue as the sport grapples with mounting losses.

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