“So Deeply Sorry for Your Loss”: Bodybuilding World Mourns 51-Year-Old Icon’s Death After Cancer Battle

A star gone too soon- Lee Banks, the IFBB pro fame bodybuilder, departed for his heavenly abode. Lossing his years-long battle with cancer, Banks breathed his last on 2nd February 2023 at Mayo Clinic & Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. The news was confirmed by his wife, Lafayette Banks, on her official Facebook page. As soon as the news was shared, prayers started to pour in.

Now joining the Banks family to mourn the departed soul bodybuilding community extends their prayers and wishes. Sending solidarity messages, the Banks’ admirers posted their heartfelt texts.

Fans mourn Lee Banks’ unexpected passing 

Back in 2018, when Banks was preparing for a bodybuilding show, he noticed a change in his metabolism. As he seeked medical guidance, the reports came shocking as he got diagnosed with cancer. Banks then started his battle with the deadly disease. Even though he braved the difficult time, he could not beat it. Succumbing to carcinoid syndrome complications, Banks, as his wife quotes, is now in the “house of our LORD FOREVER.”

Standing with Lee’s family in his hour of grief, fans were quick to join. Shocked by the unexpected news, one of the users wrote, “Omg, I don’t even know what to say I am shocked my heart felt heavy reading this. I am so sorry for our lost Lafayette Banks praying for you and your family 💔🙏❤ this is just 🥲😭😭.” Deeply affected, another admirer said, “Terribly saddened by his loss and pray for you at this time 😓😓😓 🙏🙏🙏He was always a positive light in this,s sport, and he will be missed 😓😓😓.”

Read More: Uncovering the Tragic Story of Bodybuilder & WWE Wrestler Who Mysteriously Died in 2017

“Oh no! I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. We all loved Lee… my prayers are with you🙏😔❤,” read another comment. As the day progressed, the comment section flooded with more such prayers for the Banks family. However, falling short of words, many users sought refuge in the emojis in an attempt to express themselves upon hearing the unexpected news.

Looking back at the legacy that Lee left behind 

Over the years, Lee Banks has successfully created an identity in the bodybuilding circle. His contribution to the sport remains poignant and instrumental. From securing the 5th position at the PBW Championships-Tampa Pro to winning the 9th spot in the 2017 Mr. Olympia, Banks’ bodybuilding career was cut short because of his health. However, the passion that he displayed for the sport remains undisputed.

His unexpected demise thus leaves behind a void that not just impacts his family but also the bodybuilding community. Reflecting on his life, one of the users wrote, “I’m at a loss for words. Lee Banks was an amazing person; he was my coach and my friend. He’s going to be truly missed.” 

Watch This Story: Bodybuilding Legend Arnold Schwarzenegger shares Health Boosting Tips with His Instagram Fans. 

 Banks may not have won any significant bodybuilding competitions, yet he remains one of the pioneering faces who inspired the youth. Needless to say, the legacy he left behind is there to stay, as one of the fans, remarked, “will always be remembered.”