20-year-old bodybuilder Jodi Vance died on February 27 after suffering a heart attack during the Arnold Sports Festival. The young woman's family revealed that her sudden death at this Columbus, Ohio event was due to dehydration.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Young Bodybuilder Suffers Fatal Heart Attack From Dehydration
"Her heart stopped due to complications of severe dehydration," her family wrote in an Instagram post. "Despite all efforts by the hospital, they were unable to revive her." Jodi was smiling brightly in the photo they shared while holding two medals she earned as a bodybuilder.
They described the young bodybuilder as a "beautiful person inside and out" who would "be missed every single day." The statement concluded by requesting for privacy during this difficult time and a warning to "put your health first."
Although she was not competing in this event, TMZ reported that she was present to help support her pupils. The outlet explained that Vance reportedly felt sick after the competition. Soon after, she was rushed to Grant Medical, where she later died.
Texas-born Vance just recently got third place in the Women's Physique division at the 2024 NPC Battle of Texas. She used her Instagram account to post inspirational and uplifting quotes throughout her bodybuilding career.
Coach Reveals Jodi Took "Hazardous Substances" Before Death
After her sudden death, Vance's coach, Justin Mihaly, posted an Instagram statement with Jodi's mother's approval. "I believe the person that she was should be highlighted," he said. "In Jenny's [her mother] words, I believe the beam of light that she brought to every social interaction, networking event, expo, show, I think that should be highlighted."
Despite his kind words, her coach got blunt by saying how she made a "significant error" that should "not be taken lightly." To make sure this never happens again, Mihaly revealed that he and Jenny would begin to advocate for preventing her cause of death.
Her coach then admitted what could have caused her sudden heart attack. "Jodi used two extremely hazardous substances to improve her physique," Mihaly said. He said it was without his knowledge or approval, nor the family's blessing. "There's no reason she should have been dehydrated," he continued, explaining that she didn't prepare properly.
