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7NEWS
8 minutes 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.
New York Post
a day ago
- Health
- New York Post
Bodybuilding champion Hayley McNeff dead at 37 in ‘unexpected' tragedy
Bodybuilding champion Hayley McNeff died last Friday, with the news confirmed on Wednesday. She was 37. According to an obituary published on the death of the Concord, Mass., native was 'unexpected but peaceful.' Advertisement '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 dad, Dave, told People in a 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.' 3 Hayley McNeff died on Aug. 8. The cause of the death is unknown. Instagram/Hayley McNeff McNeff's family is set to hold a service on Saturday and has asked for attendees to make a donation to the National Alliance on Mental Illness in McNeff's honor. Per the obituary, McNeff graduated from Concord-Carlisle High School and University of Massachusetts Amherst, and was an accomplished bodybuilder in the 2000s with state titles in Maryland and Delaware. She was also part of the 2005 documentary 'Raising the Bar,' which highlights the world of the sport. Advertisement 'The quest for getting huge will never end,' McNeff said about her career in the documentary. 'There's no limit. I hope there's a day that I'll be able to look in the mirror 100% of the time and be like, 'Yeah man, I'm huge.'' After retirement from the sport, McNeff decided to pursue a graduate degree in psychology. 'She had a gift for making those around her laugh and feel welcomed,' the obituary reads. '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.' Advertisement 3 Bodybuilder Hayley McNeff pictured in front of a bar bell. Facebook/Hayley McNeff 3 Hayley McNeff Facebook/Hayley McNeff Upon hearing the news of McNeff's death, bodybuilding coach Dave Palumbo posted a tribute message on Instagram. 'I'm sad to hear of the passing of former woman bodybuilder @hayleysmash (HAYLEY MCNEFF) … she left us way too soon,' he wrote. 'She was a good soul, super intelligent and had tremendous potential as a bodybuilder. She appeared in @dave_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. @official_rxmuscle.' Advertisement McNeff is one of many bodybuilders who have recently passed away. Zunila Hoyos Mendez died at 43 in June after she was killed in a hammer attack. A month prior, Gui Bull died at 30.
