As 2023 comes to a close, every bodybuilding fan will remember how the year took the lives of many athletes from the sport. With New Year’s around the corner, IFBB Hall of Fame inductee Shawn Ray paid tribute to the talented athletes that bodybuilding has lost this year. Ray’s video contained many names, including bodybuilders who were active and in their prime. From 30-year-old Joe Lindner to 33-year-old Justyn Vicky to 70-year-old Lisa Lyon, the bodybuilding community has lost a lot in 2023.

The former Arnold Classic champion posted a video with the names and images of the late bodybuilders. . The bodybuilding community joined the uncrowned Mr. Olympia in mourning the late bodybuilders. They also pointed out an unfortunate detail.

Shawn Ray’s heartfelt tribute

“To our sport’s finest we salute you and remember you… God Speed to those we lost in 2023,” Ray wrote in the caption of his post. The post featured pro bodybuilders like Mighty Mike Quinn, Gustavo Badell, Neil Currey, Lee Banks, Dawn Whitman, Tonya Knight, and many more. The 58-year-old also included internet-famous bodybuilders and fitness influencers.

Joe Lindner, Justyn Vicky, Alana Paiva, and others also figured in Ray’s tribute. Many of the bodybuilders who passed away this year died of terminal diseases like cancer. A few like. 21-year-old Alana Paiva and Justyn Vicky met their untimely end in freak accidents. However, there were a fair share of deaths, like Joe Lindner’s, that sparked speculation of ste***d abuse. However, fans couldn’t help but point out a disturbing trend.

Bodybuilding fans pointed to an ever-increasing mortality rate

For the past two decades, the number of active or past bodybuilders dying at a young age has steadily increased. The fitness community seems convinced that bodybuilders are taking extreme steps to achieve their dream physique and paying for it with their lives. “D**n! I was unaware that many were lost in 2023. I swear this sport is the reaper. Glad I quit,” said one former competitive bodybuilder. “Too many bodybuilders are passing away! R.I.P. to all of them! A disturbing trend!” commented another fan.

However, many simply mourned the loss of life. “My most sincere condolences on the loss of all these great people,” wrote one fan. “Rest in peace all of these souls,” commented a second fan. One fan praised Shawn Rray for posting the tribute. “Great post-Shawn. (My) heart is broken for Tonya… You two were always my favorite trainers to follow… Stay safe big man,” commented the follower.

While some fans pointed out the disturbing trend, they couldn’t help but join the IFBB Hall of Famer in mourning those the community lost in 2023. 

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