Jodi Vance, a 20-year-old bodybuilder and coach, has died after suffering a fatal heart attack, with severe dehydration identified as a contributing factor.
Vance was in Ohio attending the Arnold Sports Festival when she began feeling unwell and was taken to hospital, where she later passed away.
Her family confirmed the news on social media, stating that despite medical efforts, doctors were unable to revive her.
Describing her death as “sudden and unexpected,” they urged others to prioritise their health. “If anyone takes anything from this, please put your health first,” they wrote.
Vance’s coach, Justin Mihaly, revealed that she had been taking two “extremely hazardous” substances to enhance her physique without his or her family’s knowledge. “Recently, her health had become quite concerning, and now we know why,” Mihaly said in an Instagram video.
He added that several people had tried to convince her to slow down, but her determination made it difficult.
Mihaly also spoke out about the dangers of diuretics—medications that increase urine production and reduce fluid retention—which he believes bodybuilding would be better off without.
Diuretics, commonly used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, can lead to severe dehydration when misused, placing significant strain on the heart.
Experts explain that dehydration reduces blood volume, forcing the heart to work harder to circulate oxygen, increasing the risk of cardiac failure, especially in athletes under extreme physical stress.
Vance’s passing adds to growing concerns over sudden cardiac deaths among young athletes. The fitness supplement company Eminent Nutrition, which she represented as an athlete, honoured her as "an amazing, unique, and beautiful soul" and praised her passion for helping others.
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