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Initially, it seemed like a dehydration-related problem, with Jodi Vance vomiting continuously, but that wasn’t the case.
20-Year-Old Bodybuilder Jodi Vance Passes Away After Heart Attack At Arnold Sports Festival (Picture credit: Instagram @jodi.dance.fit)
Jodi Vance, a bodybuilder from the US, died of a heart attack while attending a sports event last week. The 20-year-old marked her presence at the Arnold Sports Festival in Ohio to support the athletes she coached. When the event was underway, Vance suffered a heart issue that eventually led to her tragic death on February 27.
Initially, it seemed like a dehydration-related problem, with Vance vomiting continuously, but that wasn’t the case.
When she started feeling sick, the young bodybuilder was immediately rushed to the Grant Medical Hospital from the Sonesta Columbus Downtown Hotel. Doctors were unable to revive Vance after her heart had stopped, as reported by TMZ.
Her family confirmed the news of her “sudden and unexpected” passing by posting a note on social media.
“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,” the statement read.
Vance, who got engaged in April last year, was previously diagnosed with an eating disorder. Despite suffering from anorexia, she remained determined to achieve a transformation which was fuelled by “a profound belief in your intrinsic worth and purpose”.
The bodybuilder was not scheduled to appear at any professional event. Her coach Justin Mihaly, however, doubted that she was perhaps taking substances that could have hurt her body.
“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. Many people who love Jodi, including myself, tried to get her to pull off the gas pedal,” Mihaly claimed in a statement.
“But anyone who knows Jodi knows how challenging that would be. Her work ethic was second to nobody. I believe the beam of light that she brought to every social interaction, networking event and Expo Show should be highlighted,” the statement added.
In November, Vance opened up about pursuing a BS in Sports and Exercise Science and earning the degree in just two years. As part of her course, she conducted research in Body Composition, Muscle Fibre Typing and Metabolics.
