Bodybuilder Jodi Vance has died aged just 20 after suffering from heart complications.
Vance passed away last week having been in attendance at the Arnold Sports Festival in Ohio. She was there to support athletes she coached before being hit by a heart issue that saw her die on February 27.
The young athlete and coach is reported to have started to feel sick while attending the expo, per The Fitness Volt. She is said to have started vomiting and exhibited other dehydration-related symptoms.
According to TMZ, Vance was taken from Sonesta Columbus Downtown hotel to Grant Medical hospital. She was unable to be revived after her heart stopped.
“From Jodi’s family and loved ones: for those that haven’t heard yet, Jodi passed away yesterday afternoon. Her heart stopped due to complications of severe dehydration.
“Despite all efforts by the hospital, they were unable to revive her. She was a beautiful person inside and out and she will be missed every single day.
“This was sudden and unexpected. Please give her family time to process this loss in peace. If anyone takes anything from this, please put your heath first.”
Vance, who got engaged to partner April Spears in October, previously suffered from an eating disorder. The bodybuilder suffered from anorexia but was able to achieve a transformation ‘fuelled not just by sheer determination but by a profound belief in your intrinsic worth and purpose’.
In November, Vance reflected upon completing a BS in Sports and Exercise Science in just two years. She conducted research in Metabolics, Muscle Fibre Typing and Characteristics, and Body Composition.
Vance was not scheduled to compete but coach Justin Mihaly, appeared to indicate she could have been taking substances that came with danger. Posting a statement, which he claimed to have approval from Jodi’s mother to present, Mihaly discussed his suspicion.
“Jodi used two extremely hazardous substances to improve her physique — I assume just for the Arnold Expo — without my knowledge, my approval, without family’s knowledge, their approval,” he said
“Many people who love Jodi, including myself, tried to get her to pull off the gas pedal,” he added. “But anyone who knows Jodi knows how challenging that would be. Her work ethic was second to nobody.”
Mihaly went on to pay tribute to Vance. “I believe the beam of light that she brought to every social interaction, networking event, Expo show, should be highlighted,” he said.
“The comfort Jodi can make someone feel, the intellect that Jodi carried, the person that she was, the way that she loved, I want to highlight, and I’m going to remember Jodi that way.”
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