An inspirational young bodybuilder has tragically passed away.
On Friday, Jodi Vance’s family took to her Instagram page, which boasts nearly 9,000 followers, to share devastating news: the 20-year-old fitness influencer tragically passed away due to complications from “severe dehydration.”
How sad…
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Alongside a photo of the Columbus, Ohio rising star holding awards at a bodybuilding competition, they wrote:
“From Jodi’s family and loved ones: for those that haven’t heard yet, Jodi passed away yesterday afternoon. Her heart stopped due to complications of severe dehydration. Despite all efforts by the hospital, they were unable to revive her. She was a beautiful person inside and out and she will be missed every single day. This was sudden and unexpected. Please give her family time to process this loss in peace. If anyone takes anything from this, please put your health first.”
See (below):
Heartbreaking.
Days after the announcement, Jodi’s trainer Justin Mihaly spoke out in an Instagram video providing more details — and offering himself up to those who feel they need someone to blame:
“Now that the family and I have spoken, it’s the appropriate time to make a statement covering all aspects of what transpired the last few days that tragically took Jodi’s life far too soon. First, we’re all experiencing grief, every one of us is experiencing sorrow. Jodi was freaking loved, and if you feel comfortable moving forward by working to identify who’s responsible, that’s acceptable, and you’re welcome to direct your blame towards me if that’s how you believe we can best honor Jodi.”
However, with that being said, he went on to… blame her?!?
He said the young influencer “made a significant error that was not part of our shared responsibility” in her training regimen — using substances without his “approval” — that lead to her demise:
“We want to make sure this never happens again. Jodi used two extremely hazardous substances to improve her physique — I assume just for the Arnold Expo — without my knowledge [or] my approval.”
However, he noted she was not actively competing so there was “no reason” she should have pushed her body to such dangerous levels of dehydration:
“Recently, [her] health had become quite concerning, and now we know why. Now we have the answers. Many people who loved Jodi, including myself, tried to get her to pull off the gas pedal. … Her work ethic was actually second to nobody. It was so hard getting her to pull back.”
He claimed that before her death she “expressed interest” in using an undisclosed drug — and that when she was taken to the hospital her potassium levels were “insanely high.” Yeesh.
Watch his full video (below):
So incredibly sad.
Our hearts are with Jodi’s loved ones. Rest in peace.
[Images via Jodi Vance/Instagram]
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