American bodybuilder Cedric McMillan has died aged 44 after health problems caused by Covid-19 and a traffic accident.
A longtime veteran of the United States Army and National Guard, McMillan was an accomplished bodybuilder and 2017 winner of the prestigious Arnold Classic.
His death was confirmed online by his sponsor, Black Skull USA, although the cause has not been made public.
It is the third death of a well-known bodybuilder in the US in the past year.
“We are sorry to inform you that our friend and brother @cedricmcmillan passed away today,” Black Skull USA said on Instagram. “Cedric will be greatly missed as an athlete, comrade, friend and father.”
McMillan became a professional bodybuilder in 2009, before winning a series of competitions culminating in the 2017 Arnold Classic, named after bodybuilder, actor and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
After 2020, however, he was largely unable to participate after being plagued by health problems, including a serious cycling accident, heart problems and Covid-19.
In an interview with Generation Iron in November 2021, McMillan said he was “near death” from his heart problems in July of the same year.
The Arnold Sports Festival, which hosts the Arnold Classic, said it was “heartbroken” to hear of McMillan’s death.
Known for his larger-than-life personality, infectious smile, soft heart and sense of humor loved by fellow competitors and fans alike, Cedric will be greatly missed,” according to an Instagram post.
Three other well-known bodybuilders have died in the past year.
George Peterson died in October at age 37 after suffering from heart problems believed to be steroid-induced, while Shawn Rhoden died in November of a reported heart attack.
