Bodybuilder Jodi Vance tragically passed away at the age of 20 after suffering a fatal heart attack during the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio. Her death occurred last Thursday.
Jodi’s death was announced by her family on Instagram. “From Jodi’s family and loved ones: for those that haven’t heard yet, Jodi passed away yesterday afternoon. Her heart stopped due to complications of severe dehydration. Despite all efforts by the hospital, they were unable to revive her. She was a beautiful person inside and out and she will be missed every single day. This was sudden and unexpected. Please give her family time to process this loss in peace. If anyone takes anything from this, please put your health first.”
According to TMZ, Vance was not competing at the Columbus event but was there to support and coach her students. She reportedly began feeling unwell after attending the competition and was later taken to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Her coach, Justin Mihaly, claimed in an Instagram video that Vance had been using potentially dangerous supplements without his knowledge, despite not preparing for any upcoming competitions, as reported by the New York Post.
“Jodi made a serious error,” Mihaly said. “Jodi used two extremely hazardous substances to improve her physique — I assume just for the Arnold Expo — without my knowledge, my approval, without family’s knowledge, their approval … There is no reason that she should have been dehydrating.”
A Texas native, Vance secured third place in the Women’s Physique division at the 2024 NPC Battle of Texas.
She frequently shared photos showcasing her progress, along with motivational messages and quotes, on her Instagram account. Last month she posted, “Far from perfect, but domination starts within. Rise. Be eminent.”
In another post she wrote, “We are an accumulation of choices.Our actions show these choose snore than our words ever can.What will your actions show?I? I am Eminent.”
Rest In Peace.
