CHAMPION bodybuilder Matt McLaughlin has died aged 51.
Here we take a look into the life of the late bodybuilder, his competition history, and his career highlights.
Who was Bodybuilder Matt McLaughlin?
Matt McLaughlin, 51, born in Boston, Massachusetts, was a retired bodybuilder.
As a young child, McLaughlin had a passion for various sports, including riding and racing BMX bikes, as well as breaking the weight lifting record while a student at the Kennedy Junior High School.
On January 9, 2024, McLaughlin's death was confirmed by long-time friend Kevin McGaunn, after suffering complications from a heart transplant.
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The retired bodybuilder died on January 5 due to complications from heart surgery in 2019.
In a touching tribute, McGaunn said: ''It is with deep sadness that I write this to let our friends know of his passing.
"Matt was a generous, and caring person who touched the lives of many. He will be greatly missed and remembered with love and respect.
"Please keep his family in your thoughts during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Matt."
In an obituary, McLaughlin's family described him as "kind" with a "great sense of humor".
The obituary read: "Matt was a generous friend, and always willing to help his friends out.
"His cardiologist described him as a gentle soul.
"Matt demonstrated great strength and resilience during these last few years, especially during this past year, when he spent over ninety days at Massachusetts General Hospital.
"He will be forever missed."
Following the news of his passing, tributes and condolences have poured in across social media, with many remembering a ''very well likeable and well-mannered athlete''.
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Paying tribute, one social media user took to Facebook and wrote: ''So sorry for loss. One of the most gifted bodybuilders from the New England area.''
A second social media post read: ''Sad to hear about Matt. I remember him as a very likeable and well-mannered athlete.''
Matt McLaughlin's competition history
As a bodybuilder, Matt McLaughlin enjoyed a brief but successful career on the bodybuilding stage.
However, it was in 1992 that he secured his biggest victory - when he was crowned NPC Teen National Champion.
The following year, in 1993, McLaughlin competed in the Light-Heavyweight division and won first place at the NPC North American Championships.
He then went on to rise up the ranks, eventually making it to the Heavyweight division, before making the decision to retire from competing in 2001.
Following his retirement from the world of bodybuilding, McLaughlin spent two decades selling old toys - a role in which the former bodybuilder ''took great pride in finding", and ''loved giving them as gifts to his family members''.
The family of Matt McLaughlin have confirmed that his funeral will take place on January 13.
