Bodybuilding champion Hayley McNeff tragically passed away earlier this year, with her death initially ruled to be “unexpected.” The cause of her death has now been revealed
A bodybuilding champion tragically passed away from a concoction of drugs that caused an “accidental” acute intoxication, it has been tragically ruled.
Hayley McNeff, 37, was a bodybuilder, fitness influencer and widely known as a ‘powerhouse’ athlete. She “unexpectedly” died three months ago on August 8, with friends, family and fans all left in shock at the news.
The fan favourite from, Massachusetts, US, passed away on August, 8 from acute intoxication due to the combined effects of heroin, fentanyl, 4-ANPP, cocaine and norbuprenorphine.
In a statement made by Brenna Galvin, Deputy Director of Communications for Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, McNeff’s death was ruled as an accident.
Speaking to PEOPLE, Hayley’s father Dave described her as a “beam of light” and said: “She had boundless energy and was very determined to achieve whatever she set out to do.”
He added: “She set her sights on bodybuilding and fitness and achieved the highest success that sector offered. She loved us and we love Hayley very much, we miss her madly.”
Her death had previously been described as “unexpected but peaceful”.
McNeff was a lifelong athlete and tried her hand at a number of sports including equestrian, board diving, and skiing before taking the bodybuilding scene by storm in the 2000s.
She clinched state titles in Maryland and Delaware but perhaps became best known from her appearance in the 2005 documentary Raising the Bar, which explores the world of competitive bodybuilding.
After McNeff stepped away from the sport, she pursued a graduate degree in psychology. Her obituary said she will be remembered for her “quick wit” and “constant sense of humour.”
It added: “She had a gift for making those around her laugh and feel welcomed. Her 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.”
Since her death tributes have poured in, with peer bodybuilder Dave Palumbo posting on Instagram: “I’m sad to hear of the passing of former woman bodybuilder. She left us way too soon. She was a good soul, super intelligent and had tremendous potential as a bodybuilder.”
One reddit fan wrote: “RIP she was awesome in Raising the Bar. Awesome lifter, hardcore attitude, and she really liked to push the heavy weights.”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.
If you or somebody you know has been affected by this story, contact Talk To Frank for free, confidential advice on 0300 1236600, texting 82111 or visiting their website, Honest information about drugs | FRANK