The fitness community is mourning the loss of bodybuilder Jodi Vance while campaigning for awareness for a better, healthier lifestyle from athletes. On February 27, 2025, the 20-year-old unexpectedly passed due to a heart attack associated with her use of substances. Vance was in Ohio, attending the Arnold Sports Festival, when she passed away.
While at the event, she began to feel sick and was taken to a hospital. Vance wasn’t there to compete, but to support other bodybuilders, TMZ reports. The sad news of her death left the industry in shock. While some bashed Vance’s coach for letting her get involved with substances, others advocated for better training practices. Jodi Vance’s sudden death was announced by her family on her Instagram. The post showed a picture of the athlete smiling while flashing her medals. In the accompanying caption, the family revealed the athlete’s death was sudden and unexpected as her “heart stopped due to complications of severe dehydration.” The post further disclosed a heartbreaking plea from the family, warning:
“If anyone takes anything from this, please put your heath first.”
Several fans were shocked by the news. They took to expressing their grief in the comments, advising that Vance’s life should be an example.
One commenter wrote, “Sad when bodybuilding is supposed to promote wellness, health and vitality. Most people don’t know how unhealthy athletes are when they step on stage. It’s a damn shame this continues to happen. Something needs to be done.“
Another commenter voiced their condolences before bashing Vance’s coach, Justin Mihaly. “If you hired a coach and he makes you take diuretics for a show, FIRE HIM ON THE SPOT,” the person wrote. “May her life serve as a lesson to all.”
A third observer noted that the loss of the athlete was unfortunate as she was preparing for her wedding. A fourth fan criticized the late athlete’s coach, writing, “Too many coaches out there don’t know what the hell they’re doing.”
Jodi Vance’s Coach, Justin Mihaly, Speaks Up About Use Of Substance
As fans continued to point fingers, bashing the late sportswoman’s coach, Mihaly came online to clear the air. In an Instagram post, the trainer disclosed that unknown to him or Vance’s family, she was taking two “extremely hazardous” substances to enhance her body.
Mihaly further disclosed that one of the drugs that was used was Diuretics. Vance had earlier expressed her interest in the drug to him. However, he had a conversation with her, and they both decided it was not to be used. Sadly, from the hospital records, it showed that the drug had been used.
Concluding the video, the fitness enthusiast warned that death threats targeted towards him would be reported.
