57-year-old competitive bodybuilding veteran Shaun ‘Dinosaur’ Davis has passed away. Davis had a history of kidney issues dating back to his competitive bodybuilding days that eventually forced him to retire. In fact, like four-time Arnold Classic winner Flex Wheeler, he required a kidney transplant in 2009. 

Hailing from Long Eaton, a town in Derbyshire’s Erewash district, Davis was a hometown hero and maintained a fan following among the locals despite retiring from bodybuilding. Davis was a prolific competitor and had earned many titles, including Mr. Universe, Mr. Britain, Mr. Europe, and more. 

Childhood friend pays tribute to Shaun Davis on social media

It was his close friend who announced the news on social media. Taking to Facebook, Kuldeep Bhardwaj announced the tragic news of the legend’s passing away. While reminiscing the memories they made in the past, Bhardwaj wrote, “Rest in Peace my friend you was a true inspiration right from the day I met you at school, through your amazing bodybuilding years and after. Your smile and laughter will me missed.”

While many might think that Davis was called the ‘dinosaur’ because of his size, according to bodybuilding journalist Dave Palumbo, he was given the nickname owing to his goofy nature. Palumbo also went on to reveal that the icon was a regular at booths at the Mr. Olympia and Arnold Classic Expos, with him being often seen beside bodybuilding legend Lee Priest.

Along with a few others, the ‘Generation Iron’ team paid their condolence to Davis’ family and friends.

Davis’ demise has come as a shock to fans, adding to the long list of bodybuilders that have passed away in the previous year.  Just the other day, the sport community had been thrown into mourning after the death of  30-year-old vegan bodybuilder, Alfredo Martin. In June, the community was left shocked by the death of Jo Linder aka Joesthetics, a German bodybuilder and fitness influencer with huge popularity in the community. Linder was again 30 and died suddenly of an aneurysm in his partner’s arms.

Read More | “RIP Iron Brother”: Horrifying Death of a Legendary Bodybuilder Leaves Bodybuilding World in Deep Shock 

Bodybuilding fans devastated after another loss

Fans expressed their condolences in the comments. “So sad Rest In Peace,” wrote one bodybuilding enthusiast. “May the soul rest in peace,” wrote another fan.

“At this point, dying for the sport don’t seem so great huh… I’m sorry for the loss of all the affected,” the fan recalled.
One fan expressed their sadness after learning that Davis had been dealing with the chronic kidney issue despite the transplant. “Another source said he’s been dealing with kidney issues for years even after retiring it seems like the health effects still carry on,” wrote the fan.

Some fans also commented about steroid use.
“Steroids cause life long health issues and premature death. Stay off the gear kids….” commented the fan.

Many have questioned the cause behind Davis’s demise, However, only time will reveal the true cause of the veteran athlete’s death. 

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