Bodybuilder Jodi Vance Dies Prematurely at Age 20

Columbus, Ohio – Bodybuilder Jodi Vance passed away last Thursday at the age of 20 after suffering a fatal heart attack at the Arnold Sports Festival. Her death was attributed to complications from severe dehydration, according to a post shared by her family on social media.

“Her heart stopped due to complications of severe dehydration. Despite all efforts by the hospital, they were unable to revive her,” Vance’s family stated. They described her as a “beautiful person inside and out,” and expressed their grief in the wake of this sudden loss, urging everyone to prioritize their health.

Although Vance was not competing in the Columbus event, she was there to support her protégés as a coach. Reports indicate that she began feeling unwell after attending the competition and was transported to Grant Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead.

Justin Mihaly, Vance’s coach, shared concerns about her health in an Instagram video, noting that she had not been scheduled to compete in any upcoming shows. He suggested that she may have been using potentially harmful supplements without his or her family’s approval.

“Jodi made a serious error,” Mihaly said. “She used two extremely hazardous substances to improve her physique, assuming just for the Arnold Expo, without my knowledge or approval. There is no reason that she should have been dehydrating.”

Vance was originally from Texas and recently earned third place in the Women’s Physique division at the 2024 NPC Battle of Texas. She actively shared motivational quotes and personal achievements on her Instagram account, including a post just a week prior where she stated, “A champion isn’t measured by wins, but by the courage to rise every time they fall. It’s not about how many times life knocks you down – it’s about standing up, pushing forward, and refusing to surrender. True greatness is forged in resilience, not just victory. #iameminent.”

Mihaly expressed the sense of loss felt by everyone in their community. “You are welcome to direct your blame towards me if that’s how you believe we can best honor Jodi,” he mentioned. He also acknowledged that Vance’s health had become “quite concerning” in recent weeks.

He elaborated, saying, “Many people who loved Jodi tried to get her to pull off the gas pedal a bit. Her work ethic was actually second to nobody. It was so hard getting her to pull back.” Mihaly ended the video mentioning that her vital signs at the hospital indicated the presence of substances he had warned her against using.

In remembrance, Mihaly described Vance as someone who was deeply loved and admired, highlighting her warmth and intelligence. The community mourns her sudden loss while reflecting on the importance of health in the world of competitive bodybuilding.