60-Year-Old Record-Holding Powerlifting Legend Who Went Missing Found Dead in Alabama

Joe Ladnier, the first man to break the 2100 lbs total for bench, deadlift, and squat, has been found dead. Authorities spotted Ladnier’s lifeless body on Friday, beside the road where his truck was also found in Mobile County, Alabama. The 60-year-old bodybuilder went missing on the morning of Christmas Eve.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department initially started searching for the missing powerlifter, with the United Cajun Navy and Mobile County investigators joining in the search by the time they discovered Ladnier. United Cajun Navy Vice President Brian Thrasher said that their dogs and the Jackson County K-9 unit led them to Ladnier’s remains, some 200 yards from his abandoned truck. However, there continues to remain some doubt regarding his death.

The mystery surrounding Joe Ladnier’s death

The powerlifting veteran’s family and the authorities had spearheaded the search for Ladnier with his daughter Taylor Manning, one of Ladnier’s ten children, reaching out to the powerlifting and bodybuilding community for assistance. She constantly posted TikTok videos to reach as many people as possible and started hashtags like #bringjoehome.

According to reports, the authorities informed Ladnier’s family before the news became public. Bodybuilding veteran Dave Palumbo was among the first to break the news. The cause of the 60-year-old’s death is yet to be determined. Investigators found Joe Ladnier’s red Toyota on Chunchula Landfill Road in Alabama.

The truck was found in an abandoned driveway according to a report by the Sun Herald. Investigators discovered a pillow, a laptop, 146 dollars, and an empty pistol holster inside the Toyota. On top of this, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Department hasn’t clarified if the powerlifting record-setter’s death is a homicide. While the search for Ladnier ended, investigators have not closed the case. While announcing Ladnier’s death, Dave Palumbo also highlighted some of the 60-year-old’s powerlifting achievements.

The legacy of Joe Ladnier

Joe Ladnier broke the 2,100lbs total powerlifting benchmark in 1983 at the USPF Men’s Senior Nationals. The then-19-year-old lifted an astonishing 2110.9 lbs, winning the competition. He set the record in the 220 lbs category. Besides powerlifting and bodybuilding, Joe Ladnier served in the Navy and Law Enforcement.

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However, during his Law Enforcement career, Ladnier got caught in possession of ste***ds. As a result, Ladnier’s sponsors dropped him, and many friends distanced themselves. The powerlifter also struggled with depression and PTSD and had some chronic injuries from his powerlifting career.

Besides his ten children, the 60-year-old is survived by his wife Lori and fourteen grandchildren. Alongside them, the entire fitness community will have to wait for further answers until the investigation concludes.