Jodi Vance, a rising bodybuilder and coach, has tragically passed away at the age of 20 after her heart failed due to severe dehydration, her family confirmed.
Vance was attending the Arnold Sports Festival in Ohio when she began feeling unwell and was taken to a nearby hospital. Despite medical efforts, doctors were unable to revive her.
“Her heart stopped due to complications from severe dehydration,” her family’s statement read, describing her passing as “sudden and unexpected.” They also urged others in the fitness community to prioritize their health.
Her coach, Justin Mihaly, revealed that Vance had been using two “extremely hazardous” substances to enhance her physique, without his or her family’s knowledge. He expressed concern about her declining health in recent months and emphasized the dangers of diuretics, which are often misused in bodybuilding to reduce water retention.
“Many of us who loved Jodi tried to encourage her to slow down, but anyone who knew her understood how determined she was,” Mihaly said.
Eminent Nutrition, the fitness supplement company Vance represented, paid tribute to her on Instagram, calling her “an amazing, unique, and beautiful soul.” They remembered her for her passion, energy, and the positive impact she had on those around her.
