José Antonio Hernandez Torres has sadly passed away at the age of 57. Torres is a former Mr. Universe winner and a six-time Spanish bodybuilding champion. His rivals have described him as a "legend" within the bodybuilding world.
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Torres sadly passed away just a month before his 58th birthday. Currently, there has been no update as to the cause of his death.
A talented bodybuilder, Torres enjoyed a career that spanned more than 40 years, culminating in his 2004 Mr. Universe success. After retiring from competing, Torres opened up his own gym in Tenerife, it's called "Jocha fitness gym."
"With more than 40 years of experience in bodybuilding, in addition to his entrepreneurial activity with his famous "Jocha Fitness Gym", which he opened in the late 80s in a small premises on La Fajana street in Barrio Nuevo, which he later expanded giving its main access through Arturo Vergara Street in La Verdellada, we are losing the one who is possibly the most internationally decorated athlete in the history of La Verdellada-Barrio Nuevo," local outlet La Verdella wrote.
Torres was clearly both well-liked and well-respected within the fitness community. His death will undoubtedly have came as a shock.
Tribute Pour in for José Antonio Hernandez Torres
Following the news of Torres' death, tributes began to pour in from around the bodybuilding industry.
"One of the first Spaniards who, in the 1980s, was on a par with the world's best, representing our country at various international events. We will always admire him," fellow bodybuilder Jose Maria Garcia said of Torres, via The New York Post.
Another former bodybuilder, Alejandro Mena, who now works as a police officer, shared a tribute to a former competitior.
"Beyond the results, I will always remember him as a wonderful person, an excellent friend and a role model for all of us who love bodybuilding,"
he wrote on Facebook. "His humility, camaraderie and passion for this sport left an indelible mark on all of us who were lucky enough to know him."There is no information regarding Torres' impending funeral. That information will likely remain private for family and close friends.
