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\nHayley McNeff, a champion bodybuilder and fitness influencer, died on Aug. 8 at age 37According to her obituary, published in a local Boston outlet, McNeff\u2019s death was \u201cunexpected but peaceful\u201d\u201cShe had a gift for making those around her laugh and feel welcomed,\u201d reads the obituary, remembering the late champion<\/p>\n
Hayley McNeff<\/a>, a champion bodybuilder and fitness influencer, died on Aug. 8 at age 37.\n<\/p>\n According to an obituary<\/a> published in local outlet Boston.com on Aug. 12, the death of the lifelong athlete was \u201cunexpected but peaceful.\u201d\n<\/p>\n McNeff was born and raised in Concord, Mass., graduating from Concord-Carlisle High School and University of Massachusetts Amherst, per the obituary. Over the course of her life, she excelled at a variety of sports: equestrian, board diving and skiing in her earlier years, and bodybuilding as an adult.\n<\/p>\n Per her obituary, McNeff was a decorated bodybuilder, including state titles in Maryland and Delaware, and she was featured in the 2005 documentary Raising the Bar, which explores the world of competitive bodybuilding.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Hayley McNeff.<\/p>\n Hayley McNeff\/Instagram<\/p>\n Later in her career, after retiring from the sport, she went on to pursue a graduate degree in psychology.\n<\/p>\n According to her obituary, McNeff will be remembered for her \u201cquick wit\u201d and \u201cconstant sense of humor.\u201d\n<\/p>\n \u201cShe had a gift for making those around her laugh and feel welcomed,\u201d the obituary continues. Hayley McNeff.<\/p>\n Hayley McNeff\/Instagram<\/p>\n Following the tragic news, peer bodybuilder Dave Palumbo posted a touching tribute remembering the late champion.\n<\/p>\n Never miss a story \u2014 sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter<\/a> to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer\u200b\u200b, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.\n<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sad to hear of the passing of former woman bodybuilder,\u201d wrote Palumbo in a post on Instagram. \u201cShe left us way too soon. She was a good soul, super intelligent and had tremendous potential as a bodybuilder.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Hayley McNeff.<\/p>\n Hayley McNeff\/Instagram<\/p>\n McNeff\u2019s family will hold a visitation in Wellesley, Mass., on Saturday, Aug. 16. They have requested attendees make a donation to the National Alliance on Mental Illness<\/a> in McNeff\u2019s honor.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cHer energy and determination was a constant in her life and she always accomplished what she set out to achieve. She treasured her friendships and nurtured strong, lasting relationships with those who knew her best. Hayley will be deeply missed by her parents, siblings, extended family, and friends.\u201d\n<\/p>\n