Who was Hayley McNeff? Champion body builder dies at 37

Fitness influencer and bodybuilding star Hayley McNeff lost her life at her place on August 8 at the age of 37. On August 12, local outlet Boston.com published an obituary, mentioning that she was born in Concord to parents Michelle C. Walker and David J. McNeff.

Hayley McNeff was a student of Concord-Carlisle High School. She attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her obituary notes:

“A lifelong athlete, she excelled as an accomplished equestrian, a talented board diver and skier as a youth and young adult. As an adult, she discovered a passion for bodybuilding and was the US Bodybuilding Champion during her career. She later pursued graduate studies in psychology, driven by a desire to better understand and help others.”

The star was seen in a 2005 docu film titled Raising the Bar, the Free Press Journal states. In the documentary, McNeff said that she always wanted to keep growing bigger and felt there was no limit to how much she could achieve. She hoped that one day she could look in the mirror and always feel proud of how big and strong she had become.

Before finding her passion for bodybuilding, she did different sporting activities like skiing, equestrian riding, and competitive diving. In 2009, she received the best honors at the East Coast Classic. Hayley McNeff’s obituary remembers her as:

“Hayley was known for her quick wit and constant sense of humor, 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.”

What did Hayley McNeff’s father say about her death?

In an exclusive statement to People Magazine on August 14, Hayley McNeff’s father, Dave, said she had brought joy and energy into the world. She was full of life, determined to reach her goals, and worked hard to succeed in bodybuilding and fitness. He shared that the family would miss her presence.

Her obituary mentions:

“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.”

According to The New York Post, retired bodybuilder Dave Palumbo posted a tribute on Instagram, writing that he was heartbroken to hear about the death of Hayley McNeff. He wrote that she passed away far too soon. He described her as kind, smart, and full of potential in bodybuilding.

Palumbo remembered her appearances in fitness videos years ago and felt proud to have called her a friend, while sending prayers to her loved ones.

In the documentary, Hayley McNeff shared that some girls at her university were amazed by her, and when they became friends, they thought what she did was cool. She explained that her appearance and work brought her a lot of attention and respect, and she could not imagine wanting to look anything but distinctive.

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Also read: Actor and singer Colton Ford dies at 62

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