“OMG No Way”: 36-Year-Old IFBB Pro’s Demise Deeply Saddens Bodybuilding World

The bodybuilding world is in deep sorrow after the sudden death of Douglas Fruchey, a 36-year-old IFBB Pro and bodybuilding coach and personal trainer. Fruchey was found dead in his Los Angeles apartment on June 14, 2024. His unexpected passing has saddened the fitness community, prompting a flood of tributes and condolences.

A bodybuilding page, Bis and Tris, shared the tragic news with a heartfelt post: “It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Douglas Fruchey (@douglasfruchey). The heartbreaking news was confirmed by his wife @carlifruchey earlier today. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, his friends, and his loved ones. Rest in Peace, Douglas.” There’s more to the story than meets the eye, though.

Douglas Fruchey’s unknown reason caused his untimely demise

The IFBB Pro was quite active on social media with his wisdom and training guidance. However, he had been notably absent for the past month (May). His last post was a joint shared with Kyle Landi and Mike O’Hearn. Moreover, his wife, Carli Fruchey, an IFBB Women’s Physique athlete, confirmed his death in an emotional Instagram post. She shared photos of them together and a touching note from her late husband. She wrote, “Rest peacefully my sweet Moosey,” using the endearing nickname she had for him.

In addition, Brad Rowe, a friend of Fruchey, revealed that Fruchey had been found deceased in his apartment, and acknowledged the personal struggles he had faced. “RIP Dougy. Not the Men’s Mental Awareness Post I wanted to make,” Rowe shared in a video post. “The world lost a good man yesterday @douglasfruchey… I don’t know all the details, but I do know that Doug had his inner battles. He was very open with his past struggles and always seeking a healthy path to overcome,” he wrote in his post.

Fruchey’s career in bodybuilding began as an amateur competitor, but his big break came at the 2020 NPC Worldwide Amateur Olympia Orlando, where he earned his IFBB Pro card. He went on to compete in five professional competitions, with his best performances being ninth-place finishes at the 2022 New York Pro and Boston Pro. Despite all the achievements his friend revealed battling with demons ultimately caused his death and his fans flooded their emotion in the post.

Heartfelt tributes pour in from fans

Fellow bodybuilders and fans were heartbroken by this tragic news. They remember Douglas as an important member of their gym community in Los Angeles. One wrote recalling the moment they spent, “Devastating, he was such a big part of my Gold’s Gym family back in LA. Always helping me through my prep and inspiring me with words of encouragement, supporting women’s physique and bodybuilding.” Another expressed the extreme sadness, “Ah, that’s so sad. He was a real inspiration. RIP.”

One was shocked by his horrifying news and sent their condolences to Douglas’s family. “OMG, no way. So sorry. RIP Doug. Condolences to his family,” wrote a fan. One person offers prayers for Douglas’s family, saying, “So very sad. Praying for his family.” A few people were devastated, as they mentioned watching his videos, “Really sad to hear. I’d see his clips on here all the time. Condolences to him, his family, and all his friends.” Another expressed their sentiment, hoping that Douglas’s soul rests in peace. And simply wrote, “God rest his soul may he rest in peace.”

The fitness community remembers Douglas Fruchey not only for his achievements on stage, but also for his openness about his personal battles and his efforts to find a healthy path.