Bodybuilding champion Hayley McNeff dies ‘unexpectedly but peacefully' aged 37 as devastated loved ones pay tribute
BODYBUILDING star Hayley McNeff has died at the age of 37.
The fitness fanatic and influencer died peacefully on August 8, according to her obit.
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Bodybuilder Hayley McNeff has died
Credit: Instagram
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The star died unexpectedly
Credit: Instagram
Her family described her as a "bright light" and someone who "left the world too soon."
"Hayley was known for her quick wit and constant sense of humor, she had a gift for making those around her laugh and feel welcomed," they added.
"Her energy and determination was a constant in her life and she always accomplished what she set out to achieve.
"She treasured her friendships and nurtured strong, lasting relationships with those who knew her best."
McNeff's cause of death remains unknown.
The athlete picked up bodybuilding titles during the mid-2000s.
She finished in first place in the 2009 East Coast Classic tournament.
She went on to feature in the bodybuilding documentary Raising The Bar.
Tributes from the fitness community have poured in following McNeff's death.
Retired bodybuilder Dave Palumbo was left "sad" by the news of McNeff's death.
"She was a good soul, super intelligent and had tremendous potential as a bodybuilder," he wrote on Facebook.
"I was proud to be able to call her a friend."
Meanwhile, Maryann Amerault recalled how she first met McNeff while at the prestigious Arnold Sports Festival event.
"I actually couldn't stand Hayley the first time we met at the Arnold (turns out I was the problem), but we became besties after meeting up at the USAs later that same year," she wrote online.
The pair lived together in Vegas in 2010 and Amerault reminisced on their times together.
"Hayley taught me not to take myself so seriously, and that I shouldn't trust my first impressions of people," she added.
"She was an old soul: extroverted, blunt, funny, and incredibly kind-hearted.
"Oh, and she could hit a most muscular pose on command better than any other woman I know.
"She had a way of making everyone around her smile. Hayley was truly a light in this world."
McNeff last posted on social media in May where she shared a throwback snap from 2019.
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