Tag: Obituaries
Bodybuilding Veteran Gustavo ‘The Freakin Rican’ Badell Dead at 50, Community Reacts
It is with great sadness that we report the death of bodybuilding star Gustavo ‘The Freakin Rican’ Badell at age 50. At the time of this writing, his cause of death is uncertain, although RX Muscle’s Dave Palumbo and Nick Trigili suspect it was caused by a stroke.
“Gustavo battled with kidney issues for several years,” shared Dave Palumbo. “Whatever caused his death was something that was not expected.”
In 1997, Badell earned his Pro card at the Caribbean Championships and never looked back. He always brought great conditioning to the stage and was known for his detailed striations. En route to finding success, Badell received help from bodybuilding veteran Milos Sarcev, who currently coaches Mr. Olympia contender Samson Dauda and other top names.
As an IFBB Pro, Badell was a mainstay of the Open class during the 2000s. He took part in numerous Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia competitions and pushed some of the world’s best such as Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler, and Dexter Jackson. Every time Badell graced a stage he brought electric energy and built a legacy off the back of hard work.
Some of Gustavo’s best victories include the 2006 Ironman Pro Invitational, the 2006 San Francisco Pro Invitational, and the 2009 Atlantic City Pro. His final competition would come in 2012 at the Arnold Classic, where he finished 13th. Though, perhaps Badell’s biggest claim to fame was defeating Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler during the 2005 Mr. Olympia Challenge Rounds.
While Badell was a recipient of a kidney transplant, it remains unclear if that contributed to his sudden passing. It’s early to speculate, though some industry experts have done their best to explain what happened.
Bodybuilding Community Reacts to Tragic Passing of 50-Year-Old Gustavo Badell
According to Nick Trigili of Bodybuilding and BS, Badell was trying to bulk up again. He said he was unsure if Badell was using performance-enhancing drugs at the time of his passing. Trigili specified that the cause of death appears to be a stroke.
“Got an update on Gustavo Badell, it looks like he did have a kidney transplant several years ago, he had his sister’s kidney, and he was doing fine. It looks like he was trying to bulk back up again. I don’t know if he was using performance-enhancing drugs or not. It looks like they found him today, he had a stroke and passed away,” Nick Trigili revealed.
Details are limited, but Dave Palumbo of RX Muscle also mentioned that a stroke was the likely culprit.
“We lost another great one, Gustavo Badell, the ‘Freakin Rican’ one of the best bodybuilders of the early 2000s. His claim to fame, beating Ronnie Coleman in the challenge round. A round they used to hold at the Mr. Olympia competition where they would compare various poses and get judged by former Mr. Olympias like Lee Haney and Dorian Yates, Samir Bannout. Gustavo defeated Ronnie in that challenge round and that was during Ronnie’s reign when he was supremely dominant winning Olympias. In the challenge round if you picked the right poses to go against different competitors you could strategically win that round, and so, so did Gustavo. I think that was the last time they held it after that.”
“Gustavo’s motta was ‘I work hard.’ I interviewed him numerous times back in the day and he used to,always tell me that,” Dave Palumbo shared. “Prayers out to his family. This has got to be a really tough one. From what I hear, I’m hearing stroke as a cause of death. I don’t like to give cause of deaths without autopsy reports or definitive you know confirmations from doctors, but that’s what I’m hearing from people who are close to him. It’s not confirmed but I did hear stroke.”
Gustavo Badell’s Competition History
1991
Junior Caribbean Championships – Overall Winner
1997
World Amateur Championships – IFBB, HeavyWeight, 10th
Caribbean Championships – Overall Winner (Earns Pro Card)
1998
Grand Prix Germany – IFBB, 9th
1999
Grand Prix England – IFBB, 17th
Night of Champions – IFBB, Did not place
World Pro Championships – IFBB, 14th
2000
Ironman Pro Invitational – IFBB, 18th
Night of Champions – IFBB, Did not place
Toronto Pro – IFBB, Did not place
World Pro Championships – IFBB, 11th
2001
Grand Prix England – IFBB, Did not place
Ironman Pro Invitational – IFBB, 16th
San Francisco Pro – IFBB, 11th
2002
Ironman Pro Invitational – IFBB, 13th
Night of Champions – IFBB, 10th
Olympia – IFBB, 24th
Southwest Pro Cup – IFBB, 6th
Toronto Pro – IFBB, 3rd
2003
Night of Champions – IFBB, Did not place
2004
Arnold Classic – IFBB, 7th
Ironman Pro Invitational – IFBB, 3rd
Olympia – IFBB, 3rd
San Francisco Pro – IFBB, 4th
Show of Strength Pro Championships – IFBB, 3rd
2005
Arnold Classic – IFBB, 3rd
Ironman Pro Invitational – IFBB, Winner
Olympia – IFBB, 3rd
2006
Arnold Classic – IFBB, 4th
Olympia – IFBB, 6th
San Francisco Pro – IFBB, Winner
2007
Arnold Classic – IFBB, 4th
Olympia – IFBB, 8th
2008
Arnold Classic – IFBB, 6th
Ironman Pro Invitational – IFBB, 2nd
Olympia – IFBB, 10th
2009
Arnold Classic – IFBB, 11th
Atlantic City Pro – IFBB, Winner
Olympia – IFBB, 13th
2012
Arnold Classic – IFBB, 13th
This comes as a great loss after what has already been a difficult few months for the bodybuilding community. Less than two weeks ago, fitness influencer/Men’s Physique competitor Jo Linder passed away at just 30 years old. His girlfriend said he died from an aneurysm, but some fans are hoping for closure with an autopsy report.
Meanwhile, earlier this week, Catalin Stefanescu, 30, also met his untimely fate after drowning in just a three-foot-deep river. In light of the odd circumstances, police are investigating the matter to find out exactly how he died.
RELATED: IFBB Pro Bodybuilder ‘Mighty Mike Quinn’ Dead at 61 After Suffering from Illness
Gustavo Badell will always be remembered in the bodybuilding community for his work ethic and perseverance. He leaves behind his loving wife and children. We at FitnessVolt send his family, loved ones, and friends our deepest condolences during this trying time.
Published: 13 July, 2023 | 10:37 AM EDT
WWE Icon The Iron Sheik Dies at 81
Legendary pro wrestler The Iron Sheik, real name Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, emerged as the first Iranian-American wrestling superstar in the 1980s. Among his many achievements, he was renowned for his fierce rivalry with fellow legend Hulk Hogan. In a recent post on Twitter, the news of Sheik’s passing was announced on Wednesday morning in a statement.
Hailing from Iran, The Iron Sheik took inspiration from Iranian Olympic Gold-Medalist wrestler Gholamreza Takhti and started the sport at a young age. His potential was evident from the start as he found success as an amateur wrestler with a gold medal at the National Amateur Athletic Union Greco-Roman Wrestling Championships in 1971. He went on to become the US team’s assistant coach for the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich before expanding his creative footprint in pro wrestling entertainment.
WWF/WWE took notice of The Iron Sheik’s gimmick and athletic abilities in 1979. He joined the company the same year and became the inaugural winner of the Battle Royale event. His ethnic character proved to be a big hit for the promotion as Vaziri played up to the political environment of Iran with his antagonistic role along with his massive build, outrageous persona, and rants against other competitors.
In 1983, Vaziri created history by winning the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. He developed an iconic rivalry with Hulk Hogan at the height of the promotion’s popularity. His first outing with Hogan is regarded as the beginning of Hogan’s ‘Hulkamania.’ Vaziri added to his accolades further when he won the WWF Tag Team Championship with partner Nikolai Volkoff at the first-ever Wrestle Mania event.
Vaziri stepped away from the wrestling ring in the 1990s but continued to make infrequent appearances over the next two decades. He accrued a massive following in the community and turned into a fan favorite towards the end of his career. He got inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. He made his final live appearance in 2010 and was featured in an episode of Biography: WWE Legends in 2022.
The Iron Sheik passes away at 81
In a statement released on Twitter, the tragic news of the passing of The Iron Sheik at age 81 was announced earlier this morning.
“Today, we gather with heavy hearts to bid farewell to a true legend, a force of nature, and an iconic figure who left an incredible mark on the world of professional wrestling,” wrote the statement. ”It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of The Iron Sheik, but we also take solace in knowing that he departed this world peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for generations to come.
“With his larger than life persona, incredible charisma, and unparalleled in-ring skills, he captivated audiences around the globe. He was a trailblazer, breaking barriers and paving the way for a diverse range of wrestlers who followed in his footsteps.
“Beyond the glitz and glamour of the squared circle, The Iron Sheik was a man of immense passion and dedication. He embodied resilience. He overcame countless challenges in his life, both inside and outside the wrestling ring. His journey from a small village in Iran to becoming one of the most recognized figures in the world of wrestling is a testament to his unwavering dedication.”
“Throughout his career, The Iron Sheik became a cultural phenomenon, transcending the real of professional wrestling to become a pop culture icon. His memorable catchphrases and unforgettable moments are etched into the memories of fans worldwide. He left an indelible mark on the industry, and his influence can still be felt in the world of wrestling today.”
RESPECT THE LEGEND FOREVER ? pic.twitter.com/Cr6CC9pXSO
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) June 7, 2023
The Iron Sheik is survived by his wife Caryl, two daughters Tanya and Nikki, and five grandchildren.
Tributes from the wrestling community started pouring in after the news broke.
“My Dear Friend Khosrow Vaziri!!! We Started Wrestling Together In 1972,” wrote WWE legend Ric Flair. “Seems Like So Long Ago! We Crossed Paths So Many Times Over The Years & You Were Always So Entertaining. The Greatest Line You Ever Said To Me In 1972: “If I Had Your Hair, I Would Be With Elizabeth Taylor!” Rest In Peace My Friend. Be As Entertaining To God As You Were To All Of Us!”
My Dear Friend Khosrow Vaziri!!! We Started Wrestling Together In 1972. Seems Like So Long Ago! We Crossed Paths So Many Times Over The Years & You Were Always So Entertaining. The Greatest Line You Ever Said To Me In 1972: “If I Had Your Hair, I Would Be With Elizabeth Taylor!”… pic.twitter.com/MG4PO69wP1
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) June 7, 2023
“REMEMBERING THE IRON SHEIK The wrestling world lost a true legend today, with the passing of Khosrow Vaziri, better known to fans across the globe as The Iron Sheik,” tweeted Mick Foley. “Although I never got to know The Sheik well, I was fortunate to have been on hand for two of his most iconic matches – his WWE title victory over Bob Backlund at Madison Square Garden on December 26, 1983 and his “Boot Camp Match” with Sgt Slaughter at MSG in August, 1984. I also had the honor of wrestling the iron sheik for the first and only time – on a tour of Dominica in 1987. Khosrow Vaziri was truly one of a kind. I send my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those who loved him.”
REMEMBERING THE IRON SHEIK
The wrestling world lost a true legend today, with the passing of Khosrow Vaziri, better known to fans across the globe as The Iron Sheik. Although I never got to know The Sheik well, I was fortunate to have been on hand for two of his most iconic… pic.twitter.com/mVMqTaeXtE
— Mick Foley (@foleyispod) June 7, 2023
The legend. An all-time great performer and WWE Hall of Famer who brought his character to life and transcended our business,” reacted Triple H. “My condolences to The Iron Sheik’s family, friends and fans.”
The legend. An all-time great performer and WWE Hall of Famer who brought his character to life and transcended our business.
My condolences to The Iron Sheik’s family, friends and fans.
— Triple H (@TripleH) June 7, 2023
RELATED: WWE Hall of Famer ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham Dies at 79, Wrestling Legends Pay Emotional Tribute
The Iron Sheik’s legacy will continue to inspire the next generation for years to come. Fitness Volt sends condolences to friends and family of The Iron Sheik during this time.
Published: 7 June, 2023 | 4:52 PM EDT
Bodybuilder Daniel Quattlebaum Dies from Injuries 24 Hours After Motorcycle Crash
The bodybuilding world has been dealt another painful blow this week with Daniel Quattlebaum losing his life in a motorcycle accident. In a statement released by WYFF4 News, South Carolina troopers confirmed that Quattlebaum crashed into the rear of a sedan and died from injuries a day later in the hospital.
Following the accident, 50-year-old Quattlebaum was immediately transferred to the Greenville Memorial Hospital. Troopers shared that the driver of the sedan was not hurt. Eventually, the Greensville Coroner’s Office confirmed Daniel Quattlebaum had died from injuries on Saturday, March 27.
Quattlebaum enjoyed a career that lasted over a decade. His aesthetics, slim waist, and v-taper were some of the standout features that helped him make a name for himself in the NPC. He was also held in high regard for his tireless work ethic.
During his respective bodybuilding tenure, Quattlebaum found major success as an amateur. He competed in several NPC shows. However, his best year came in 2021, where he picked up a few victories at the 2021 NPC Victory Classic, NPC Universe & National Fitness Championships, and the NPC Universe & NPC National Fitness.
Daniel Quattlebaum Dies in Motorcycle Accident at 50
At the time of this writing, details pertaining to his injuries are unavailable.
Unfortunately, bodybuilders and athletes have been dying at a concerning rate. Just this week, prolific bodybuilding 1990s veteran ‘Mighty Mike Quinn’ died of an undisclosed illness at 61. In 2022, Cedric McMillan died, and he was only 44 years old.
In the sport of wrestling, WWE ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham passed away last week at the age of 79. His family and the WWE revealed he had been suffering from health issues for years. In the hours leading up to his death, Graham was put on life support. Suffice it to say, the sporting community is on high alert.
Daniel Quattlebaum Competition History
2011 NPC Junior USA Championships – 5th
2013 NPC Junior USA Championships – 3rd
2017 NPC Charlotte Cup – 1st
2019 NPC Teen Collegiate & Masters National Championships – 9th
2019 NPC Victory Classic – 1st
2021 NPC Victory Classic – 1st
2021 NPC Universe & NPC National Fitness Championships
2021 NPC Universe & NPC National Fitness – 1st
RELATED: Bodybuilders Who Died of Heart Attack
Daniel Quattlebaum leaves behind his mother Deborah and his stepfather William Lake, who live in Loganville, GA. His siblings: Benson Quattlebaum, Peter Quattlebaum, and Miriam Waters also survive him. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Robinson Funeral Home Chapel at 1425 Powdersville Rd, Easley SC.
Fitness Volt sends its heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Daniel Quattlebaum.
Published: 30 May, 2023 | 3:56 PM EDT
IFBB Pro Bodybuilder ‘Mighty Mike Quinn’ Dead at 61 After Suffering from Illness
Mike Quinn has unfortunately died at the age of 61 following a battle with a long-term illness. His sister, Kellie Quinn reported the sad news on May 30, 2023, in a Facebook post.
Quinn was a highly respected bodybuilder competing throughout the 1980s and 90s. He was also a trailblazer in many respects given his entertaining nature and charismatic attitude. Though, perhaps Mike was most well-known in the community for his bold personality, freaky physique, and massive biceps.
Unlike many of his contemporaries, Quinn wasn’t opposed to discussing sensitive topics, such as steroid use. Never afraid to speak his mind, Quinn understood the sport on a deep level and fans picked up on that.
While navigating his career, Quinn took part in a total of four Mr. Olympia competitions. His best finish came in his debut at 1988 Mr. Olympia where he finished fifth, an event that was won by eight-time champ, Lee Haney. In addition, Mike Quinn won the NABBA Mr. Universe London, an honor he shares with legends Arnold Schwarzenegger and Steeve Reeves.
‘Mighty Mike Quinn’ Dead at 61, Family and Bodybuilding Community Mourn
Kellie Quinn, Mike’s sister, revealed the tragic news on Facebook.
“After a long illness, my brother Mike, a.k.a. “Mighty Mike Quinn”, has received his angel wings.
Michael touched many lives, and will be missed.
We’ll love you always,Kellie ❤️?❤️” Kellie Quinn wrote.
After a long illness, my brother Mike, a.k.a. “Mighty Mike Quinn”, has received his angel wings. Michael touched many lives, and will be missed. We’ll love you always, Kellie ❤️?❤️
Posted by Kellie Quinn on Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Many believe the sport of bodybuilding has seen a rise in deaths recently. Ever since the passing of Shawn Rhoden in 2021, some worry that over-eating and drug use have become rampant, especially in the Men’s Open division. Last March, Cedric McMillan died at 44, which served as another wake-up call for the community. Bodybuilders have since spoken out against abusing steroids given the concerning trend.
In addition to those he touched personally, Mike Quinn was held in high regard for his intense training strategies. During his career, Quinn practiced short-duration high-intensity movements and utilized short rest periods. Quinn favored an array of exercises but often used barbell squats, bench presses, and overhead presses.
Mike Quin’s Bodybuilding Competition History
1981
AAU Mr. America, HeavyWeight – 10th place
AAU Teen Mr. America, Heavyweight & Overall – 1st place
1982
NPC Junior Nationals, HeavyWeight – 2nd place
NPC Nationals, HeavyWeight – 7th place
1983
NPC USA Championships, HeavyWeight – 4th place
1984
AAU Mr. America, Medium – 3rd place
NABBA Mr. Universe, Medium – 1st place
NABBA World Championships, Medium – 2nd place
1986
NPC Nationals HeavyWeight – 4th place
1987
NPC USA Championships, HeavyWeight & Overall – 1st place
IFBB Detroit Pro Invitational – 4th place
1988
England Grand Prix, IFBB – 5th place
France Grand Prix, IFBB – 5th place
Grand Prix Germany, IFBB – 4th place
Italian Grand Prix, IFBB – 7th place
Grand Prix Greece, IFBB – 4th place
Grand Prix Spain, IFBB – 4th place
IFBB Grand Prix US Pro – 5th place
Mr. Olympia – 5th place
IFBB World Pro Championships – 4th place
1989
IFBB Grand Prix England – 7th place
Finnish Grand Prix – 8th place
IFBB Grand Prix Holland – 7th place
Mr. Olympia – 7th place
1990
IFBB Grand Prix Holland – 12th place
Mr. Olympia – 11th place
1991
WBF Grand Prix – 12th place
1993
IFBB Night of Champions – (no place)
1994
IFBB Night of Champions – 5th place
Mr. Olympia – (no place)
IFBB San Jose Pro Invitational – 11th place
1999
IFBB Night of Champions – (no place)
IFBB World Pro Championships – 17th place
RELATED: History of Mr. Olympia – Details & Results
Having made a substantial impact on the Men’s Open division in the 80s and 90s, Mike Quinn will not only be remembered for his outspoken demeanor but for the incredible physique he built at the height of his career. Fitness Volt wishes his friends and family strength and our deepest condolences.
Published: 30 May, 2023 | 1:42 PM EDT