Latest news with #McNeff
7NEWS
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Tributes flow for bodybuilder Hayley McNeff after ‘unexpected' death, aged 37
The bodybuilding industry continues to be rocked by the premature deaths of its stars. Pro-bodybuilder Craig Licker (from Massachusetts in the US) died earlier this week at the age of 57, and it was also confirmed just days ago that former US bodybuilding champion Hayley McNeff has died at the age of 37. McNeff reportedly died at her home on August 8, with her obituary saying the young American's death was 'unexpected but peaceful'. 'Hayley was known for her quick wit and constant sense of humour, she had a gift for making those around her laugh and feel welcomed,' the obituary said. '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.' In a statement, her father told 'Hayley was like a beam of light in this world.' He said she had 'boundless energy' and was always determined to achieve whatever she set out to do. 'She set her sights on bodybuilding and fitness and achieved the highest success that sector offered. She loved us and we love Hayley very much, we miss her madly,' he said In 2005 McNeff featured in the 'warts and all' documentary Raising the Bar, a raw, low-budget bodybuilding film that became something of a cult classic within the industry. 'The quest for getting huge will never end,' McNeff said in the documentary. 'There's no limit. I hope there's a day that I'll be able to look in the mirror 100 per cent of the time and be like, 'yeah man, I'm huge'.' Tributes flowed after news of her death was made public. Bodybuilding coach Dave Palumbo said: 'I'm sad to hear of the passing of former woman bodybuilder Hayley McNeff … she left us way too soon. 'She was a good soul, super intelligent and had tremendous potential as a bodybuilder. 'She appeared in David Pulcinella RAISING THE BAR videos back in the day and I was proud to be able to call her a friend. 'Prayers to her family and friends. R.I.P.' Another, Shane Nickerson, was shattered. 'Life will be so hard without you, but all the better because you were here,' he said on social media. 'I had the pleasure of living with Hayley for 7 years across 3 cities. She made such a huge part of who I am today. There was nobody like her. I miss her laugh already. Until we see each other again goofball ❤️' The HeavyMetalLifter Jeff Hennigan said: 'Man that hurts waking up to that. Heart sunk deep. All the late night phone calls joking and drinking talking s*** to each other. The MySpace days too. We always kept up with each other and checked on our depression and overall health since mid 2000s. Great personality and big heart. 21/22 was the last time we talked regularly. Thanks for the memories you beautiful soul. Sleep well.' McNeff retired from bodybuilding and graduated in psychology. McNeff's family are asking people who go to her funeral to donate to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
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
- Health
- Time of India
Champion bodybuilder Hayley McNeff dies ‘unexpectedly' at 37 — but what led to her sudden death? Here's what we know
Hayley McNeff, a decorated bodybuilding champion and fitness influencer, has died at the age of 37. Her death on August 8 was described by her family as 'unexpected but peaceful.' A lifelong athlete, McNeff was remembered for her determination, humor and the strong relationships she built throughout her life. Early life and multi-sport success Born and raised in Concord, Massachusetts, McNeff graduated from Concord-Carlisle High School before earning her bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. From an early age, she excelled in sports including equestrian competitions, board diving and skiing. These achievements laid the foundation for the dedication she later brought to bodybuilding. Bodybuilding career and achievements As an adult, McNeff pursued bodybuilding and quickly rose through the ranks, winning state titles in Maryland and Delaware. She was also featured in the 2005 documentary Raising the Bar, which explored the competitive bodybuilding world. Known for her discipline and drive, she reached the highest levels of success in the sport before retiring from competition. Life beyond competition Following her bodybuilding career, McNeff shifted focus to academics, working toward a graduate degree in psychology. Her obituary described her as having 'quick wit' and a 'constant sense of humor,' noting her ability to make people feel welcomed and valued. She was recognized for her energy, determination, and commitment to her friendships. The actual reason behind her sudden passing still remains unknown. Tributes and memorial Her father, Dave McNeff, said she 'had boundless energy and was very determined to achieve whatever she set out to do.' Peer bodybuilder Dave Palumbo also paid tribute on Instagram, describing her as 'super intelligent' and a person with 'tremendous potential.' A visitation for McNeff will be held in Wellesley, Massachusetts, on August 16. Her family has requested that donations be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness in her memory. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
Economic Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
US fitness star, bodybuilder Hayley McNeff shared awe-inspiring message before her ‘unexpected' death at 37
Bodybuilding champion Hayley McNeff passed away unexpectedly on Friday at 37. A UMass Amherst graduate, she excelled in bodybuilding after being an equestrian, board diver, and skier. Known for her humor and determination, McNeff's family described her as a 'beam of light.' Her father shared that she achieved great success in bodybuilding and fitness. The family of champion bodybuilder Hayley McNeff has broken their silence and has spoken out after her sudden and 'unexpected' death Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Hayley McNeff's last message before unexpected death Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Family speaks out after Hayley McNeff's death Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Bodybuilding champion Hayley McNeff died last Friday died on Friday, according to an obituary published Tuesday. She was 37. McNeff's death was reported by which described her death as "unexpected but peaceful."A nutritionist and life coach, Hayley McNeff was a Massachusetts native who graduated from UMass Amherst and became a champion bodybuilder. Hayley, who earned enviable championship titles, shared a now-tragic message about dreams before her sudden to The Sun, years before her death, the female athlete showed off her gym progress on Instagram. In one of her final posts in 2018, she shared a selfie with the caption "Follow your dreams."Devastated fans have now left their condolences on the post as they mourn the star athlete. "RIP pretty lady," wrote one fan. In her obituary, McNeff was described as a "lifelong athlete" who "excelled as an accomplished equestrian, a talented board diver, and skier."After discovering her love for bodybuilding, McNaff quickly rose among the ranks. "Hayley was known for her quick wit and constant sense of humor," her family wrote."Her energy and determination was a constant in her life and she always accomplished what she set out to achieve."The family of champion bodybuilder Hayley McNeff has broken their silence and has spoken out after her sudden and 'unexpected' death. 'Hayley was like a beam of light in this world. She had boundless energy and was very determined to achieve whatever she set out to do,' Hayley's father Dave tells PEOPLE in an exclusive statement. 'She set her sights on bodybuilding and fitness and achieved the highest success that sector offered. She loved us and we love Hayley very much, we miss her madly.'The 37-year-old bodybuilder died at her home in Sudbury, Mass., on Aug. 8, her family confirmed to PEOPLE. McNeff was born and raised in Concord, Mass., where she graduated from Concord-Carlisle High School and went off to the University of Massachusetts Amherst for her bachelor's degree, per her addition to bodybuilding, which she picked up as an adult, McNeff excelled at equestrian, board diving and skiing. After stepping away from the sport later in life, she pursued a graduate degree in McNeff's obituary, the late bodybuilding champion will be remembered for her 'quick wit' and 'constant sense of humor.''She had a gift for making those around her laugh and feel welcomed,' the obituary continues. '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.'Retired bodybuilder Dave Palumbo mourned his friend in a heartbreaking Facebook post. He said, "She was a good soul, super intelligent and had tremendous potential as a bodybuilder."I was proud to be able to call her a friend." Another friend, Maryann Amerault, shared fond memories of the two living together in 2010 as they trained and competed in Las Vegas."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.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
US fitness star, bodybuilder Hayley McNeff shared awe-inspiring message before her ‘unexpected' death at 37
Bodybuilding champion Hayley McNeff died last Friday died on Friday, according to an obituary published Tuesday. She was 37. McNeff's death was reported by which described her death as "unexpected but peaceful." A nutritionist and life coach, Hayley McNeff was a Massachusetts native who graduated from UMass Amherst and became a champion bodybuilder. Hayley, who earned enviable championship titles, shared a now-tragic message about dreams before her sudden death. ALSO READ: 9 shocking facts about 'killer whale' Orcas that will leave you surprised Hayley McNeff's last message before unexpected death According to The Sun, years before her death, the female athlete showed off her gym progress on Instagram. In one of her final posts in 2018, she shared a selfie with the caption "Follow your dreams." Devastated fans have now left their condolences on the post as they mourn the star athlete. "RIP pretty lady," wrote one fan. In her obituary, McNeff was described as a "lifelong athlete" who "excelled as an accomplished equestrian, a talented board diver, and skier." After discovering her love for bodybuilding, McNaff quickly rose among the ranks. "Hayley was known for her quick wit and constant sense of humor," her family wrote. Live Events "Her energy and determination was a constant in her life and she always accomplished what she set out to achieve." ALSO READ: US citizens to receive stimulus check of $2,000 in August? What has Trump said about economic relief Family speaks out after Hayley McNeff's death The family of champion bodybuilder Hayley McNeff has broken their silence and has spoken out after her sudden and 'unexpected' death. 'Hayley was like a beam of light in this world. She had boundless energy and was very determined to achieve whatever she set out to do,' Hayley's father Dave tells PEOPLE in an exclusive statement. 'She set her sights on bodybuilding and fitness and achieved the highest success that sector offered. She loved us and we love Hayley very much, we miss her madly.' The 37-year-old bodybuilder died at her home in Sudbury, Mass., on Aug. 8, her family confirmed to PEOPLE. McNeff was born and raised in Concord, Mass., where she graduated from Concord-Carlisle High School and went off to the University of Massachusetts Amherst for her bachelor's degree, per her obituary. In addition to bodybuilding, which she picked up as an adult, McNeff excelled at equestrian, board diving and skiing. After stepping away from the sport later in life, she pursued a graduate degree in psychology. ALSO READ: $5,108 Social Security August payment arriving next week: Are you getting the amount this month? Check exceptions Per McNeff's obituary, the late bodybuilding champion will be remembered for her 'quick wit' and 'constant sense of humor.' 'She had a gift for making those around her laugh and feel welcomed,' the obituary continues. '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.' Retired bodybuilder Dave Palumbo mourned his friend in a heartbreaking Facebook post. He said, "She was a good soul, super intelligent and had tremendous potential as a bodybuilder. ALSO READ: Influencer couple miss flight after ChatGPT advice: How a small mistake turned their dream vacation into a nightmare "I was proud to be able to call her a friend." Another friend, Maryann Amerault, shared fond memories of the two living together in 2010 as they trained and competed in Las Vegas. "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.
