The bodybuilding community is coming to terms with another painful loss. On Dec. 29, 2025, it was revealed that Dean Tornabene, a former Mr. America and powerlifting champion, died at 67. At the time of this writing, his cause of death has not been revealed.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Tornabene was a bodybuilding pioneer, responsible for helping grow the sport through the 1970s and 80s. He had a notable impact on celebrities during his coaching tenure at Gold\u2019s Gym<\/a> Venice. He helped action stars like Pierce Brosnan and Sylvester Stallone<\/a>, along with Hollywood icons Dolly Parton and Mickey Rourke.<\/p>\n In addition to leading a successful bodybuilding<\/a> and powerlifting<\/a> career, he made waves in the supplement industry<\/a> before the market was saturated. He generated over $500 million in supplement sales throughout his life, guiding various companies to success over the years.\u00a0<\/p>\n Bodybuilding Veteran Dean Tornabene Passes Away at 67\u00a0<\/p>\n Rx Muscle \u2013 Truth in Bodybuilding was one of the first sources to confirm Tornabene\u2019s passing:\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cSaddened to report the passing of Dean Tornabebe, a former Mr. America, a powerlifting champion, and an absolute staple of the hardcore Gold\u2019s Gym Venice scene in the 80\u2019s,\u201d wrote<\/a> RxMuscle.\u00a0<\/p>\n Iconic coaches and bodybuilders offered their condolences in the comment section:\u00a0<\/p>\n Get Fitter, Faster<\/p>\n Level Up Your Fitness: Join our \ud83d\udcaa strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!<\/p>\n Please wait…<\/p>\n You’re In! Let’s Crush Your Fitness Goals Together<\/p>\n Expect expert-backed workouts, nutrition advice, the latest in strength sports, and a whole lot of motivation heading your way.<\/p>\n Subscribe Another Email<\/p>\n \u201cI went to the first NPC Nationals when Lee Haney won the overall. First person on stage in the lightweights was Dean. Mind blowing. Years later I use to see him everyday at Golds. Always spoke to people. Always had a smile on his face. He was so into nutrition, health, training. Blessings to his family\u201d shared Chris Aceto.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cRIP \u2764\ufe0f\ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffb Dean\u201d Milos Sarcev shared.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cOMG \u2026 I can\u2019t believe it\u2026Dean just sent me a text message with my cousin George 2 weeks ago \ud83d\udc94\u201d said Samir Bannout.<\/p>\n \u201cGod bless Dean , his soul and his family . \ud83d\ude4c\ud83d\udc4f\ud83d\ude4c\ud83d\udc4f\u201d Kai Greene<\/a> wrote.\u00a0<\/p>\n Tornabene\u2019s Contest History \u00a0<\/p>\n *Stats provided by Muscle Memory\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n 1975<\/p>\n Teen Mr. USA \u2013 AAU, Short, 3rd<\/p>\n 1979<\/p>\n Mr. International \u2013 IFBB, LightWeight, 5th<\/p>\n 1980<\/p>\n Mr. America \u2013 AAU, LightWeight, 11th<\/p>\n 1981<\/p>\n Mr. America \u2013 AAU, LightWeight, 5th 1982<\/p>\n Nationals \u2013 NPC, LightWeight, 2nd<\/p>\n 1983<\/p>\n Nationals \u2013 NPC, LightWeight, 2nd<\/p>\n 1984<\/p>\n Nationals \u2013 NPC, LightWeight, 3rd<\/p>\n 1985<\/p>\n USA Championships \u2013 NPC, LightWeight, 4th<\/p>\n 1986<\/p>\n Nationals \u2013 NPC, LightWeight, 1st<\/p>\n 1988<\/p>\n Grand Prix US Pro \u2013 IFBB, 9th<\/p>\n 1989<\/p>\n Grand Prix US Pro \u2013 IFBB, 3rd 1990<\/p>\n Pittsburgh Pro Invitational \u2013 IFBB, 9th\u00a0<\/p>\n Fitness influencers and bodybuilders have been dying young at an alarming rate. Recently, Italian influencer Alessandro Antonicelli sadly died<\/a> following a two-year battle with an aggressive form of malignant bone cancer. A GoFundMe was created to honor his life, and all proceeds will be donated to cancer research.\u00a0<\/p>\n Shortly after the loss, fans were taken aback by the death of IFBB Pro Wang Kun<\/a>, who was only 30 years old. A spokesperson for the Anhui Provincial Bodybuilding Association revealed that his death likely came as a result of heart problems.\u00a0<\/p>\n Tornabene leaves behind a legacy defined by perseverance and success. The Fitness Volt team sends our deepest condolences to his friends and family during this difficult time.\u00a0<\/p>\n RELATED:\u00a0IFBB Pro Bikini Bodybuilder Lorena Blanco Passes Away at 37 Due to Heart Attack<\/a><\/p>\n
\nGold\u2019s Classic \u2013 NPC, LightWeight, 2nd<\/p>\n
\nOlympia \u2013 IFBB, Did Not Place<\/p>\n