Who was Hayley McNeff? All about the fitness influencer who died at 37

Hayley McNeff, a fitness fanatic and bodybuilder, died on August 8.

As reported by The Sun, the influencer's obituary, published on Boston.com on August 12, states that she died peacefully, and was described by her family as a "bright light" and someone who "left the world too soon."

According to People Magazine, the Massachusetts native was born and raised in Concord. She was an alumnus of the Concord-Carlisle High School and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She was keen on an array of sports, including equestrian, board diving, and skiing.

However, she was most known for her bodybuilding craze. Her obituary states that she held state titles in Maryland and Delaware, and was even featured on the bodybuilding documentary Raising the Bar, which came out in 2005. She also reportedly boasted a degree in psychology.

Hayley McNeff's life and legacy explored as tributes come pouring in:

In the online obituary, Hayley McNeff's family, including parents David J. McNeff and Michelle C. Walker, said of her:

"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. She treasured her friendships and nurtured strong, lasting relationships with those who knew her best."

Her family said her death was "unexpected," though as of this writing, the exact cause of death remains unclear. Dave Palumbo, a retired bodybuilder, has since paid his respects, noting that he is "sad" to learn of the news.

"She was a good soul, super intelligent and had tremendous potential as a bodybuilder," he wrote on Facebook. "I was proud to be able to call her a friend."

As for Maryann Amerault, she recounted meeting Hayley McNeff for the first time at the prestigious Arnold Sports Festival event.

"I actually couldn’t stand Hayley the first time we met at the Arnold (turns out I was the problem), but we became besties after meeting up at the USAs later that same year," she wrote online.

The Sun has reported that they were roommates in Vegas in 2010.

"Hayley taught me not to take myself so seriously, and that I shouldn’t trust my first impressions of people," she added. "She was an old soul: extroverted, blunt, funny, and incredibly kind-hearted. Oh, and she could hit a most muscular pose on command better than any other woman I know. She had a way of making everyone around her smile. Hayley was truly a light in this world."

Hayley McNeff now leaves behind her parents, as well as her sister, Ashley S. McNeff, and brother Scott P. McNeff.

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