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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hayley McNeff, bodybuilding champ, dies at 37: 'Bright light has left this world'
Hayley McNeff, a prominent bodybuilder during the mid-2000s, has died unexpectedly. She was 37. McNeff died last Friday, Aug. 8, and her funeral will be held Saturday, Aug. 16, according to her obituary. A Massachusetts native, McNeff won several bodybuilding titles throughout her career, including the 2009 East Coast Classic and 2009 NPC Delaware State, according to bodybuilding website RXMuscle. "Such a bright light has left this world too soon," her obituary states. It goes on to say, "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. 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. Hayley will be deeply missed by her parents, siblings, extended family and friends." More news: Hiker dies after venomous snake bites him at Tennessee state park McNeff was a respected figure in the bodybuilding community In the early aughts, McNeff was featured in the "Raising the Bar" documentary series, in which a film crew provided an inside look into her gym routine as she prepared for the 2009 NPC Delaware State. After winning the 2009 NPC Delaware State and 2009 East Coast Classic, McNeff was cast on the reality television show "Iron Maidens," which was pitched to follow a group of prominent female bodybuilders. However, the series never aired. McNeff attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts. In addition to bodybuilding, she was an accomplished equestrian, board diver, and skier as a child and young adult, her obituary states. Following her bodybuilding career, which peaked in 2009, McNeff pursued graduate studies in psychology to better understand and help others, her obituary states. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bodybuilding champion Hayley McNeff dies at 37
USA Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Hayley McNeff, bodybuilding champ, dies at 37: 'Bright light has left this world'
Hayley McNeff, a prominent bodybuilder during the mid-2000s, has died unexpectedly. She was 37. McNeff died last Friday, Aug. 8, and her funeral will be held Saturday, Aug. 16, according to her obituary. A Massachusetts native, McNeff won several bodybuilding titles throughout her career, including the 2009 East Coast Classic and 2009 NPC Delaware State, according to bodybuilding website RXMuscle. "Such a bright light has left this world too soon," her obituary states. It goes on to say, "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. 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. Hayley will be deeply missed by her parents, siblings, extended family and friends." More news: Hiker dies after venomous snake bites him at Tennessee state park McNeff was a respected figure in the bodybuilding community In the early aughts, McNeff was featured in the "Raising the Bar" documentary series, in which a film crew provided an inside look into her gym routine as she prepared for the 2009 NPC Delaware State. After winning the 2009 NPC Delaware State and 2009 East Coast Classic, McNeff was cast on the reality television show "Iron Maidens," which was pitched to follow a group of prominent female bodybuilders. However, the series never aired. McNeff attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts. In addition to bodybuilding, she was an accomplished equestrian, board diver, and skier as a child and young adult, her obituary states. Following her bodybuilding career, which peaked in 2009, McNeff pursued graduate studies in psychology to better understand and help others, her obituary states. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is Hayley McNeff? Fitness star and bodybuilding champion passes at 37 sparking tributes
Hayley McNeff, a celebrated bodybuilding champion, nutritionist, and life coach, has passed away unexpectedly at the age of 37, leaving the global fitness community in shock. Known for her relentless determination, radiant personality, and passion for helping others, McNeff's career spanned major competitive wins and an enduring influence off stage. She rose to prominence in the 2000s, earning titles and appearing in the documentary Raising the Bar, which showcased her drive and dedication to the sport. Her sudden death has prompted an outpouring of grief from family, friends, and fans, who remember her as an inspiring force both in fitness and life. Early life and bodybuilding career of Hayley McNeff Hayley McNeff grew up in Concord, Massachusetts, graduating from Concord-Carlisle High School before attending the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Drawn to fitness, she entered the competitive bodybuilding scene in the 2000s, earning state titles in Maryland and Delaware. Former bodybuilder Hayley McNeff passed away peacefully on August 8. Her victory in the 2009 East Coast Classic cemented her reputation as a fierce competitor. McNeff also gained attention through her appearance in the bodybuilding documentary Raising the Bar, where she expressed her limitless drive for physical excellence. Her dedication and perseverance made her a respected figure among both peers and aspiring athletes. Hayley McNeff became a well-known nutritionist After stepping away from the competitive stage, McNeff pursued a graduate degree in psychology. She worked as a nutritionist and life coach, using her experience in fitness and mental wellness to help others achieve their goals. Known for her humour and warm presence, she built strong, lasting relationships with friends, clients, and colleagues. Her father described her as a 'beam of light' with an unstoppable determination to succeed in anything she set her mind to. Hayley McNeff tributes and honours News of McNeff's passing has led to heartfelt tributes across the bodybuilding and fitness community. Coaches, fellow competitors, and fans remembered her as not only a talented athlete but also a supportive friend and mentor. And just...'suddenly'😪💔*Hayley McNeff-37-USA*US Bodybuilding Champion, won several competitions, including the 2009 East Coast Classic, and featured in a bodybuilding documentary.*August 8, 2025 *Tragically, Hayley died suddenly and unexpectedly "but peacefully (⁉️)"… Her family has requested donations to the National Alliance on Mental Illness in her honour, highlighting her commitment to both physical and mental health. Hayley McNeff's legacy will live on in the lives she touched, the athletes she inspired, and the example she set for pursuing one's passions without limits.
International Business Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- International Business Times
How Did Hayley McNeff Die? Champion Bodybuilder Dies Suddenly Aged 37 Leaving Fraternity in Shock
Champion bodybuilder Hayley McNeff has died at the age of 37, becoming the seventh bodybuilding death in the last six months. McNeff, originally from Concord, Massachusetts, died on August 8, though tributes only began appearing on Wednesday. Her cause of death has not yet bene revealed, but her obituary describes it as "unexpected yet peaceful." McNeff's funeral is scheduled for this Sunday. According to an obituary on she was active in several sports growing up — including skiing and diving — and was a skilled equestrian. A UMass Amherst graduate, McNeff found her passion for bodybuilding as an adult. After retiring, she planned to earn a graduate degree in psychology. Unexpected Death Hayley McNeff X McNeff shot to fame in the bodybuilding scene during the 2000s, winning multiple titles, including the 2009 East Coast Classic. She continued to compete into the 2010s and appeared in the 2016 bodybuilding documentary Raising The Bar, where she reflected on her career, saying, "The quest for getting huge will never end. There's no limit. I hope there's a day that I'll be able to look in the mirror 100 percent of the time and be like 'yeah man, I'm huge.'| Her death adds to a troubling wave of recent deaths in the bodybuilding world — now totaling seven in the last six months. In late July, Spanish bodybuilding champion Lorena Blanco died at 37 from a suspected heart attack while preparing to travel to Las Vegas for the Ms. Olympia competition. A month earlier, Colombian bodybuilder Zunilda Hoyos Mendez, 43, was brutally killed in Spain in a hammer attack after telling her husband she wanted a divorce. Her husband, Jarrod Gelling, was later found dead with knife wounds in what police suspect was a suicide. Too Many Unexpected Deaths Hayley McNeff X In May, two Brazilian weightlifters died within a week of each other. On May 6, 30-year-old champion Gui Bull died from asphyxiation, and just days later, fellow 30-year-old Wanderson da Silva Moreira collapsed and died while competing in the Pantanal bodybuilding championship. Back in April, 44-year-old bodybuilder and actor Vito Pirbazari suffered a fatal heart attack after collapsing on a treadmill. In March, 20-year-old bodybuilder Jodi Vance died after her heart stopped due to "severe dehydration," her family said in a statement. A study released earlier this year by the European Society of Cardiology found that "sudden cardiac death accounts for an unusually high percentage of deaths among male bodybuilders globally, with the greatest risk seen in professionals." The research determined that professional bodybuilders face a fivefold higher risk of sudden cardiac death compared to amateur competitors.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Hayley McNeff champion bodybuilder from Massachusetts passes away unexpectedly at 37
Hayley McNeff champion bodybuilder from Massachusetts passes away unexpectedly at 37 (Image via Getty) Hayley McNeff, a champion bodybuilder from Concord, Massachusetts, died suddenly but peacefully on August 8, 2025. Her family called her death 'unexpected but peaceful.' They described her as a 'bright light,' known for her quick wit, warm humor, and strong spirit. Hayley first shined as a youth in equestrian, diving, and skiing. She grew into a star in bodybuilding, going on to study psychology after retiring. Her funeral service will take place on Saturday, August 16, 2025. Hayley McNeff's bodybuilding career and life achievements Hayley McNeff grew up in Concord, Massachusetts with loving parents, David J. McNeff of Wayland and Michelle C. Walker of South Dartmouth. She graduated from Concord-Carlisle High School and later earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. As a child and young adult, she loved riding horses, board diving, and skiing. As she grew older, she found a new path in bodybuilding and rose to fame. She won state titles in Maryland and Delaware and took first place in the 2009 East Coast Classic. She also appeared in the bodybuilding documentary 'Raising the Bar' in 2005. Raising the Bar 4: CHAPTER 4 - Bodybuilding documentary with Hayley McNeff and Kai Greene After stepping away from competing, Hayley went back to school and began graduate studies in psychology. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cardiologists Recommend: Eat 1 Teaspoon Tonight - Wake Up With a Flatter Stomach Break The Weight Learn More Undo Her family said she continued to chase what she loved and inspire others with her energy and humor. Family, funeral details, and heartfelt tributes for Hayley McNeff Hayley McNeff is survived by her parents, a sister, Ashley S. McNeff of San Francisco and a brother, Scott P. McNeff of Quincy. Also Read: 'So plan B was okay': Maria Sharapova emotionally opens up about life lessons from father Yuri Sharapov A public visitation will be held at George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington Street, Wellesley, Massachusetts, on Saturday, August 16, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to NAMI Massachusetts. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
