Bodybuilder and IFBB Pro Judge Jerry Ward has passed away at 46 years old.
Jerry Ward, bodybuilder, coach and IFBB Pro Judge, has passed away at 47 years old. News of his passing was announced by bodybuilding promoter Gary Udit on Instagram. Ward was commentating on a live stream for Udit’s 2022 NPC Teen, Collegiate and Masters Nationals in Pittsburgh, PA. At the time of this writing, no cause of death has been revealed.
Though the cause of death was not stated, Ward’s passing was only described as sudden overnight. He was in the middle of commentating the weekend’s events and even released a video on his YouTube channel only hours before his passing.
“Sadly we lost a terrific friend today with the passing of Jerry Ward. Jerry died suddenly last night. He was here in Pittsburgh commentating on the Live Stream of the NPC Teen, Collegiate and Masters Nationals. In the NPC and IFBB PRO LEAGUE over the years Jerry was an excellent competitor, judge, expediter, head judge and PPV commentator. His knowledge of the sport of Bodybuilding was unparalleled! Jerry was liked and loved by everyone he came in contact with! We are devastated at his passing.”
– Gary Udit
Jerry Ward: from competitive bodybuilder to outspoken commentator
Jerry Ward’s passion for bodybuilding started professionally in 1994 when he earned his personal trainer certification. Later in the early 2000s, Ward started work as a fitness model. He would later go on to not only compete in bodybuilding but also wrestling and even dabble in some acting in commercials and minor TV shows.
After his competitive career, Jerry Ward later gained attention and notoriety for his bodybuilding commentary on YouTube. Ward was known for his blunt and straightforward opinions. Not reluctant to speak his mind, Ward would often find himself in controversy for his outspoken opinions.
Generation Iron had previously sat down with Jerry Ward to discuss the modern state of bodybuilding. True to form, he was very outspoken about the dangers he saw in the sport – particularly when it came to drugs often used by athletes such as diuretics during contest prep.
You can watch a segment from our interview with Jerry Ward below:
Jerry Ward also rose through the ranks to eventually become an NPC and IFBB Pro judge. Ward also owned a successful supplement brand and personal training business under the name Bios3 Training.
Jerry Ward’s competitive history
2015
- NPC Capitol Grand Prix, 4th
- Capitol Grand Prix, 3rd
- NPC Maryland State/East Coast Classic, 3rd
- NPC Baltimore Gladiator Classic, 13th
- Baltimore Gladiator Classic, 6th
2009
- NPC Pittsburgh Bodybuilding Fitness & Figure, 4th
2007
- NPC Lehigh Valley Bodybuilding And Figure Championships, 2nd
- NPC Pittsburgh Bodybuilding, Fitness, And Figure Contest, 8th
The entire staff at Generation Iron would like to extend condolences to friend and family of Jerry Ward during this difficult time. This story is still developing and will be updated as more information becomes available. For more news and updates – make sure to stay tuned to Generation Iron Fitness Network for all things bodybuilding, fitness, and strength sports.