Jodi Vance, a young bodybuilder, passed away after suffering a heart attack at a bodybuilding event. Her trainer claims it was due to a mistake he had warned her about.
Jodi was only 20 years old when she suffered a fatal heart attack on February 27 while attending a bodybuilding competition in Columbus, Ohio.
Her family shared the sad news on Instagram, writing: “She was a beautiful person inside and out, and she will be missed every single day. This was sudden and unexpected.”
Jodi was an athlete, coach, and inspiration to many in the bodybuilding world. She was not competing but had traveled to support her clients. According to reports, she started feeling unwell after the event and was taken to the hospital. Doctors later confirmed she had passed due to complications from severe dehydration.
Her family added, “Despite all efforts by the hospital, they were unable to revive her. Please give her family time to process this loss in peace. If anyone takes anything from this, please put your health first.”
Her coach, Justin Mihaly, later shared details about what may have led to her passing. He spoke with her mother’s approval and wanted to raise awareness.
“We’re all grieving,” he said. He described Jodi as a positive presence at every event she attended. He wanted to remember her for the person she was, but he also believed it was important to be honest about what happened.
Justin revealed that Jodi made a mistake by using two dangerous substances to enhance her physique. He said she did this without his knowledge or approval.
“Jodi was not preparing for the event, so there was no reason for her to be dehydrating,” he explained.
Jodi last competed in December 2023 and had planned to compete again this year. Justin had been concerned about her health and had warned her about pushing too hard.
Test results showed high potassium levels, which could indicate the use of diuretics along with a fat-burning substance. Justin called for professional bodybuilding organizations to ban diuretics, hoping this could prevent future tragedies.