Our friend & bodybuilder Rhonda Lee Quaresma Passes Away At 52

My heart is saddened to hear the passing of Rhonda Lee. I got to know her a bit and she was as wonderful inside as she was strong outside.

FitnessVolt: Canadian IFBB Pro Women’s Physique bodybuilder Rhonda Lee Quaresma passed away on November 26, 2021, after a three-year battle with Colon cancer. She was 52 years old. Rhonda started her professional bodybuilding career all the way back in 1989 and retired in 2016 due to health issues.

Rhonda Lee Quaresma’s close friends announced the news of her passing through her personal Instagram account and the caption to the post gave heartwarming insights into Rhonda Lee Quaresma’s personality.

Rhonda Lee Quaresma’s journeyy through life

Rhonda Lee Quaresma was born in Kingston, Ontario, Canada to a native Canadian father and English mother. Post-puberty weight gain and encouragement from her father led her to focus on fitness in her early years which later became her career.

Quaresma made her bodybuilding debut with a first-place finish at the 1989 Kingston Open in the lightweight division. In 1995, she won the Miss Canada title in the Canadian Nationals at Level 4. The win also secured her the pro card and marked the beginning of her professional bodybuilding career.

Rhonda Lee Quaresma made her IFBB debut at the 1998 Jan Tana Classic and finished 13th among the 28 competing women. The 2016 IFBB Pro Ferrigno Legacy marked her last competitive appearance. Following this, Rhonda announced her retirement from the sport and started pursuing a career as a personal trainer.
 

Rhonda Le Quaresma’s bodybuilding competition historyy
1989 Kingston Open Level-1, 1st Place LW 101 lbs (amateur open).
1990 Ottawa Open Level-1, 1st Place LW 103 lbs (amateur open).
1992 Ontario Eastern Regional Level-2, 1st Place LW 105 lbs (amateur regional).
1993 All Ontario Level-3, 1st Place LW 110.5 lbs (amateur provincials).
1995 Canadian Nationals Level-4, 1st Place MW 121 lbs (amateur nationals)
1998 Jan Tana Classic, 13th Place 128 lbs (professional International)
2003 Night of Champions, 14th place (Pro International)
2012 Toronto Pro Show (pro physique) 13th place
Titans Grand Prix (Pro Physique) 16th place
2016 Ferrigno Legacy, 16th place (Pro physique)

Female bodybuilder Laura Bass passes away

EOB: The bodybuilding world is in mourning again with the news of former female pro bodybuilder Laura Bass passing away at the age of 49.

The news about the death of Laura was confirmed by fellow pro female bodybuilder Tonya Knight.

Tonya confirmed that Laura has been suffering with depression for a number of years.

A number of professional athletes, including bodybuilders suffer heavily from depression, especially during these difficult months during the Covid-19 lock downs.

Popular bodybuilder Luke Sandoe was reported to have also suffered from depression before he was mysteriously found dead in May 2020.

Laura turned pro in 1992 after she won the NPC Nationals Heavyweight division.

She went on to compete only on two occasions at the Miss International between 1994 and 1995. She placed ninth in 1994 and tenth in 1995.

Tonya Knight explained the cause of Laura’s death on her official social media page.

“Today is a very sad day for bodybuilders and fans all over the World. Laura Bass has been struggling with Depression for a very long time and unfortunately took her own life yesterday. Laura was one of the most kind and compassionate people I know. She nursed injured animals back to health. She was one of the most beautiful and talented IFBB PRO Bodybuilders. I’m so proud to have been a friend of Laura’s❣️
Please Pray for her loved ones and most importantly her Son❣️
R.I.P. Sweet Laura. Sending hugs and prayers to David & Maria Schupp” – Tonya Knight

IFBB Pro Beverly DiRenzo Passes Away At Age 49

FitnessVolt: The bodybuilding community is in a state of mourning, yet again. This time, it is due to the fact IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Beverly DiRenzo has tragically passed away.

Starting her career as a pro in 2000, Beverly always had a love for fitness, that she developed at a young age. Over her career she established herself to be a top tier talent in women’s bodybuilding, competing in the Open division. She took part in many shows, most notably having solid performances at the Tampa Pro, and winning the NPC National Championships.

Unfortunately it would seem that Beverly DiRenzo has tragically passed away. Her husband broke the news with a post to her Instagram, explaining that she passed away in her sleep. It is unclear at this time what the exact cause of death was, but he clearly was heartbroken at the loss of his spouse.

Read more>>

Bodybuilder Joanna Thomas Found Dead, Age 43

We're deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Joanna Thomas, a star in the world of Female Bodybuilding who passed away at such a young age. She was one of our first and favorite Area Orion morph subjects. You will be missed.

FitnessVolt: The bodybuilding world took a massive hit over the weekend, as another athlete has been taken from us too soon. This time, it was British bodybuilder Joanna Thomas, who was found dead at the age of 43.

Thomas was an IFBB Pro, competing professionally since the early 2000’s. Moreover, she was the youngest female to earn her IFBB Pro card, doing so at just 21 years old. As a result, many thought she would have a promising career ahead of her. Unfortunately, difficulties with osteoarthritis began causing her severe health issues, rendering her nearly immobile.
According to a Facebook post from her brother, Joanna Thomas tragically lost her life on Sunday, April 26th. This was heartbreaking news that affected everyone in the bodybuilding world.

This is especially tragic news given the circumstances of Joanna’s health condition. She had been struggling for a while, not able to leave her house towards the end of her life. At a bare minimum, a certain amount of solace can be taken in the fact that she no longer has to suffer.

In terms of bodybuilding careers, Joanna Thomas had a pretty solid. Earning her Pro Card in 1998, she competed in some big shows over the years, including the Ms. Olympia. In addition to that, she became a nurse at the same time as pursuing her bodybuilding career, expressing a love for helping others. Ultimately, she would retire from the sport in 2007.

Stacey Bentley, Female Bodybuilding Legend, Dies Age 63

FitnessVolt: The bodybuilding community has suffered a majorly tragic loss. Stacey Bentley, a true pioneer of the sport, has passed away at the age of 63.

Stacey Bentley was one of the original female bodybuilders, competing in the first-ever event as such. She took the stage at the first IFBB Women’s World Bodybuilding Championships, in 1979, scoring fourth place. Moreover, she won three contests before her retirement from the sport in 1981, including the 1979 Frank Zane Pro. She paved the way for today’s generation of female bodybuilding.

Following her career as a bodybuilder, Stacey decided to find joy in helping people as a registered nurse. This came as little surprise to those who knew her, because she was always kindhearted. Even as she competed, she worked to break the stereotypes of bodybuilders being aggressive. Moreover, she did not even care for talking smack about her fellow competitors.

Unfortunately, according to a Facebook post from Roger Schwab, a close friend to Stacey, she heartbreakingly lost her life. According to the post, she tragically passed on New Year’s Eve, “suddenly and quietly.”

Tragic Murder of Emeri Connery

AthensNews: Fitness Model Emeri Connery died while in a pickup truck with her police officer cousin near the southwest Virginia town where he worked earlier this month, and authorities are alleging that she was shot and killed by that man in an apparent murder-suicide.

Emeri A. Connery, 26, was a 2011 graduate of Eastern High School in Reedsville, Meigs County, who built up a significant following on social media as a fitness model, and most recently lived in Columbus. Connery grew up in Coolville and lived there through high school, her triplet brother Kyle Connery said in a brief interview Friday.

“Emeri was my triplet sister,” he wrote in a Facebook post memorializing Emeri and her cousin. “She was the most amazing, beautiful, badass, and inspiring woman I’ll ever know. Klint and I love you and can’t wait to see you again. You’ll forever be a part of us.”

Connery’s cousin, Bailey S. Smith, 21, of Duffield, Virginia, allegedly shot and killed himself while in the pickup truck with Connery. Smith served as a police officer for Big Stone Gap, Virginia. That community is located near the Tennessee border roughly three miles from where law enforcement authorities found the car (on U.S. Rt. 23 in Lee County, Virginia).

The Virginia State Police are investigating the Sunday, March 10, incident leading to Connery’s death as a “murder-suicide,” according to a release issued by that agency last week, after police found a 2015 GMC pickup truck that had run off the left side of the highway into the median.

“Investigators have confirmed that the shootings occurred within the vehicle and, at this stage, are investigating the incident as a murder-suicide,” the release reads. “A firearm was recovered from inside the vehicle. There is no evidence to indicate another vehicle or individual was involved in the shootings.” Read more

Emeri Connery, middle, is seen posing at the gym in this picture with her triplet brothers Kyler Connery, left, and Klint Connery, right. Photo provided by Kyle Connery. Kyle said this was the last photo he took with her.

Female Bodybuilding Champion Pinar Coban Shot Dead By Boyfriend In Turkey

FITNESSVOLT: An unfortunate ending to a promising career

It was such a tragic ending to a promising career and a precious life. Female bodybuilding champion Pinar Coban (31), was shot dead in the Western Turkish province of Izmir by her boyfriend Ferhan Saricam (38).

The couple was found dead in their apartment Late Dec 28, after Saricam murdered Coban before turning the gun on himself. Saricam called his uncle after he shot Coban and said goodbye before he took his own life.

Neighbors called the police after hearing gunshots and explained they always heard frequent loud arguing between the two before the incident.

Pinar Coban won many national and international titles and it’s extremely heartbreaking to hear of such a young life taken so abruptly.

Authorities have undergone an investigation due to the incident.

Female Bodybuilder found dead in her Private Sex Dungeon

DailyMail: Koulla Kakoulli, 56, known professionally as Mistress Dometria, ran a private 'erotic boudoir' and dungeon for paying clients from her home in Brighton.

The mum-of-five was a competitive bodybuilder, regularly competing in international events, and had also appeared on the covers of fetish magazines and in hardcore fetish films.

An inquest in the city heard the 56-year-old used steroids to bulk up for competitions.
Paramedics said her body was too cold to record a temperature and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her inquest heard she was asthmatic and her heart was enlarged. Traces of white powder, believed to be Ketamine, were found under her left nostril. Pathologist Dr Mark Taylor said her cause of death was un-ascertained. 'Bottom line is, there is no definitive cause of death,' he said.

The expert said it was most likely her heart went into a fatal arrhythmia and death would have been very quick. He went on: 'I have done research on body builders who have died. You can say use of unregulated medication is potentially not safe.' He agreed that the use of steroids could have contributed to her death.

Read more at Daily Mail

Celebrity Fitness Trainer Amanda 'Mandy' Blank Suddenly Dies at 42

People: Celebrity fitness trainer and bodybuilder, Amanda “Mandy” Blank was found dead in her Los Angeles home. The trainer was 42.

Throughout her life, the coach and bodybuilding icon worked with many stars including Alex Rodriguez, Mickey Rourke, Marcus Allen, Michelle Monaghan, and Jordana Brewster, according to her website.

Blank was found unresponsive at her Los Angeles home on Monday, The New York Daily News reports. Her housekeeper called 911 after she discovered Blank in the bathtub, TMZ said.

While it is currently unclear how the celebrity trainer died, the Daily News said an autopsy and toxicology report were scheduled by the Los Angeles County Coroner to determine her cause of death.

The news outlet also spoke to a source close to Blank who claimed foul play did not play a likely role in her death.  >> Read more here.

‘First Lady of Bodybuilding’ Doris Barrilleaux passes away

EvolutionofBodybuilding: Sad news today in the bodybuilding industry.
The ‘First Lady of Bodybuilding’ Doris Barrilleaux has passed away (1931-2018).

“Sad day for the bodybuilding world! I just heard that Doris Barrilleaux has passed away. Doris was known as “The First Lady of Bodybuilding”. She put on the first women’s bodybuilding competition in Brandon, Florida in 1979. It was Doris’s efforts that helped to open the door for women to start competing in the bodybuilding industry. It wasn’t long before there were more divisions for women to compete in – fitness, figure, bikini, women’s physique. She was an icon in the sport. I remember Doris on the judging panel as Mr. Teen Florida and have been great friends ever since, my heart is broken Once again to hear this new today, you will be missed! Another great woman and an icon in the sport has passed on but we will always remember her contributions to the sport. I will miss your kisses my friend! Till we meet again pucker up!! RIP” – Eddie Robinson.

Doris Barrilleaux strikes a pose after winning her first
bodybuilding competition in the 1970s. Before then, the
competitions for women had been basically beauty contests.
Barrilleaux had been weight training since the 1950s.

Doris Barrilleaux was respected highly by the greats in the sport such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Weider family.

Doris Barrilleaux found the Superior Physique Association (SPA) in 1978, the first women’s bodybuilding organization run for women and by women. She also began publishing the SPA News, a newsletter dedicated exclusively to female bodybuilding. SPA disseminated information to women about contests and proper training and dieting. On April 29, 1979, SPA held Florida’s first official women’s contest in which thirteen women competed. The contest was held in Brandon Florida and promoted by Megas Gym and Doris Barrilleaux.

The winner of the show was Laura Combes. She also began publishing the SPA News, a newsletter dedicated exclusively to female bodybuilding. SPA disseminated information to women about contests and proper training and dieting. On April 29, 1979, SPA held Florida’s first official women’s contest in which thirteen women competed.

Also in 1979, the IFBB formed the IFBB Women’s Committee; Christine Zane was appointed the first chairperson to serve as head of the newly formed committee. One of the significant differences between the SPA and the IFBB was that while the IFBB was organized and run by men, the SPA was run by women and for women.

Female bodybuilding pioneer Lynn Hadley Conkwright left a lasting legacy

Lynn Hadley Conkwright, a women’s bodybuilding pioneer, passed away on June 14, 2017 at age 63.

She became a well-known figure in bodybuilding after winning the 1981 International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) women’s and mixed pairs world titles. She competed in many of the early contests that were pivotal to the growth of women’s bodybuilding. She finished in the top 10 in the IFBB Ms. Olympia contest five times and won the title of NPC Miss Virginia Beach in 1980.

In 1984, she represented women’s bodybuilding in the ABC Network’s “Superstars” competition, where she first met tennis superstar Martina Navratilova. Soon after the meeting, Conkwright began working as Navratilova’s weight training coach.

In 2003, Conkwright was inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame. She had previously worked for bodybuilding industry mogul Ben Weider, the co-founder – along with brother Joe Weider – of the IFBB. While working for Weider, Conkwright managed the company’s contracted athletes, including former Mr. Universe Lou Ferrigno. Source USSA

Female Bodybuilding pioneer IFBB Pro Jackie Paisley dies

Former Women’s IFBB Pro Jackie Paisley dies after long battle with illness

FemaleMuscle Sad news today in the bodybuilding and fitness industry with some shocking news. Former Women’s IFBB Pro Jackie Paisley has passed away.

Jackie was much respected and loved in the industry and messages  of condolences have been flooding popular forums and social media all over the web.

Jackie has had to battle life on and off stage. In a article published by Ironmanmagazine.com, it was reported that Paisley suffered from life threatening complications  because of Silicone Toxicity, she had to have some major operations to remove the threat.

Nicole Bass Passes Away

Nicole Bass, a former bodybuilder, WWF wrestler and a longtime member of Howard Stern's Wack Pack crew, has died at the age of 52, according to reports.

Kristen Marrone, a friend, posted the news on Bass' Facebook page.  "A few days ago Nicole got very sick," Marrone said on Facebook. "She was brought into the hospital and they did everything they could to help her. I have been sitting here with her in the room 24/7 since she got here making sure she was being given the best possible care. Today we learned that there is nothing else that can be done." 

More at NJ.com

Chyna, WWE Star, Dead at 45

Joanie Laurer, the female wrestler who redefined roles and ruled the Attitude Era, died Wednesday in California.

The news was confirmed by Laurer's manager and a statement posted on her official Twitter account, which read: "[T]oday we lost a true icon, a real life superhero. She will live forever in the memories of her millions of fans and all of us that loved her."

Laurer's body was found at a home in Redondo Beach, California. A cause of death is not known, though police are reportedly treating the case as a possible overdose. Read more at Rolling Stone

In Memory Of Kris Clark

FemaleMuscle - It is with very heavy heart that we share the passing of Kris Clark. Kris lost her battle with esophageal cancer in the evening on August 8th, with her children at her side.

Kris was an NPC national level competitor and competed several times in the NPC USA Championships as well as Masters Nationals. Kris also competed in powerlifting and was a benchpress record-holder and ranked #1 in the US in the 181 lbs raw class. Read more >

In Memory of Lynn McCrossin

From FemaleMuscle.com. Sadly Lynn never made a trip through the AO Labs.

We have just learned of the passing of long time competitor, Lynn McCrossin. Lynn was born June 15, 1958 in Caribou, ME, a small city in the northwest corner of Maine.

Lynn began bodybuilding in the early 80’s and competed in several AAU shows, before making the switch to the NPC. A top finisher at all her shows, Lynn left the stage to pursue other avenues with her amazing physique.

AAU 1984 Ms.Old Orchard Beach Overall
AAU 1985 Ms.Maine 2nd place lightweight
AAU 1985 Ms.Northern New England Overall
AAU 1985 Ms.East Coast 1st Place lightweight
AAU 1985 Ms.North East Overall
AAU 1985 Maine Muscle Classic Overall
AAU 1985 Ms.North America 1st Place Lightweight
NPC 1986 New England’s 2nd place lightweight
NPC 1986 South Jersey 3rd place lightweight
NPC 1994 Ms.Maine 2nd Place lightweight
NPC 1995 Ms.Old Orchard Beach 2nd place lightweight
NPC 1997 Ms.Maine Overall
NPC 1997 Ms.New England Overall
NPC 1997 Nationals 8th Place lightweight
NPC 1998 USA 11th Lightweight
NPC 1998 Nationals 8th place lightweight

Lynn was a very caring person and spent many of her years in the Mental Health Field as a substance abuse counselor, therapeutic recreational specialist, crisis intervention and also child development for emotionally disturbed children. Lynn also gave her support to others as a personal trainer and helped many to change their lives with a new outlook and a commitment to living healthy.

Though we haven’t seen much of Lynn the past few years, she will be remembered for all her contributions to others and her competitive nature and spirit. Thank you Lynn for the memories.