Bodybuilder Jodi Vance dead at 20 amid claims she made a ‘serious error’

The family of a young woman has confirmed her “unexpected” death at the age of just 20 while attending a strongman competition.

A young female bodybuilder has died at the age of just 20 after having a fatal heart attack while attending a prestigious strongman competition.

Jodi Vance was at the Arnold Sports Festival, an annual bodybuilding event created by Arnold Schwarzenegger, when she suffered heart complications caused by severe dehydration.

Her family have since confirmed her “unexpected” death, which occurred on February 27, in a heartwrenching social media post, the New York Post reports.

A young female bodybuilder has died at the age of just 20. Picture: Instagram/jodi.vance.fit

“Her heart stopped due to complications of severe dehydration. Despite all efforts by the hospital, they were unable to revive her,” Ms Vance’s family wrote on Instagram.

“She was a beautiful person inside and out, and she will be missed every single day.

“This was sudden and unexpected. Please give her family time to process this loss in peace. If anyone takes anything from this, please put your health first.”

Ms Vance was not competing at the event, held in Columbus, Ohio, but was in attendance to help coach her students, according to TMZ.

She reportedly began to feel sick after attending the competition and was eventually transported to a local hospital, where she was later declared dead.

Jodi Vance’s family said her ‘heart stopped due to complications of severe dehydration’. Picture: Instagram/jodi.vance.fit

Her coach, Justin Mihaly, alleged Ms Vance was using potentially harmful supplements. Picture: Instagram/jodi.vance.fit

Her coach, Justin Mihaly, alleged in an Instagram video that Ms Vance was using potentially harmful supplements without his knowledge despite not having any upcoming competitions.

“Jodi made a serious error,” Mr Mihaly claimed. “Jodi used two extremely hazardous substances to improve her physique — I assume just for the Arnold Expo — without my knowledge, my approval, without family’s knowledge, their approval…

“There is no reason that she should have been dehydrating.”

Bodybuilders will deliberately dehydrate themselves before a contest to enhance the appearance of muscle size and definition.

Ms Vance, who is originally from Texas, placed third in the Women’s Physique division of the 2024 NPC Battle of Texas.

She regularly posted pictures of her improving physique, motivational thoughts and quotes to her Instagram account.

She placed third in the Women’s Physique division of the 2024 NPC Battle of Texas. Picture: Instagram/jodi.vance.fit

“A champion isn’t measured by wins, but by the courage to rise every time they fall,” she posted last week.

“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.”

Mr Mihaly added that everyone is sad and grieving over the death of his star pupil.

“You are welcome to direct your blame towards me if that’s how you believe we can best honour Jodi,” he said.

This article originally appeared on the New York Post and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as Bodybuilder Jodi Vance dead at 20 amid claims she made a ‘serious error’