Monk Life Ends in Tragedy As Chinese Bodybuilder Wang Kun Dies at 30
A champion bodybuilder who boasted of living a monastic life has died at 30 due to reported heart problems. Wang Kun, one of the sport's biggest stars in China, died from what 'seems to be due to a heart problem,' the Anhui Provincial Bodybuilding Association confirmed to Jam Press on Wednesday. He had appeared to be in good health just days earlier, according to multiple reports. Wang Kun was best known for transforming his body and his life by living a 'monk's life,' as he told previous interviewers. He typically ate hot pot broth with meat dipped in soy sauce, and the occasional boiled chicken breast. Professionally he will be remembered for winning eight consecutive titles at the Chinese Body Building Association National Bodybuilding Championships. He had been planning to open a new gym in his native Hefei, a sprawling metropolis northwest of Chaohu Lake in Anhui province. He'd hoped the project would be 'a new starting point, a new world … right before my eyes,' as quoted by the New York Post. Wang is seen wearing makeup ahead of a competition. The bodybuilder died this week at 30. Wang Kun was reportedly opening a gym in his native Hefei, a sprawling metropolis.
In This Article:
- Wang Kun Rise and Tragic End
- Jodi Vance: 20-year-old Competitor Dies After Dehydration
- Vittorio Pirbazari Dies in April 2025
- Zunilda Hoyos Mendez: Colombian Champion Dies in June
- Lorena Blanco: Spanish Bodybuilder Dies in July
- Hayley McNeff: 37-Year-Old Found Dead in August; Drugs in System
- Ricardo 'Kadu' Nolasco dos Santos: Brazilian Champion Dies in October
Wang Kun Rise and Tragic End
Wang Kun was best known for transforming his body and his life by living a 'monk's life,' as he told previous interviewers. He typically ate hot pot broth with meat dipped in soy sauce daily. Professionally he will be remembered for winning eight consecutive titles at the Chinese Body Building Association National Bodybuilding Championships. He had been planning to open a new gym in his native Hefei, a sprawling metropolis northwest of Chaohu Lake in Anhui province. He'd hoped the project would be 'a new starting point, a new world … right before my eyes,' as quoted by the New York Post.
Jodi Vance: 20-year-old Competitor Dies After Dehydration
Jodi Vance, a 20-year-old who had competed at the Arnold [Schwarzenegger] Sports Festival. Vance reportedly battled severe dehydration before dying.
Vittorio Pirbazari Dies in April 2025
A month later, in April, Vittorio 'Vito' Pirbazari died, followed by Colombian bodybuilder Zunilda Hoyos Mendez in June and Spain's Lorena Blanco in July.
Zunilda Hoyos Mendez: Colombian Champion Dies in June
Zunilda Hoyos Mendez, a Colombian bodybuilder, passed away in June.
Lorena Blanco: Spanish Bodybuilder Dies in July
Spain's Lorena Blanco died in July.
Hayley McNeff: 37-Year-Old Found Dead in August; Drugs in System
In August, 37-year-old Hayley McNeff passed away. Postmortem results showed McNeff had a number of drugs in her system, including heroin, fentanyl and cocaine, as well as other banned substances associated with the narcotics.
Ricardo 'Kadu' Nolasco dos Santos: Brazilian Champion Dies in October
Ricardo 'Kadu' Nolasco dos Santos, who won 11 Brazilian championships, passed away in October just weeks after proposing to his girlfriend. The 31-year-old reportedly fell victim to a stroke following the death of his beloved cat.
