The death of Rich Piana led to discussions about the use of performance-enhancing drugs in the fitness industry.
When he passed away in August 2017, the fitness community deeply mourned the loss of Piana.
The widely popular bodybuilder and businessperson had gained global recognition through his skills in social media, luxurious lifestyle, and contentious acknowledgment of steroid use.
Piana’s demise sparked debates about the use of performance-enhancing drugs among athletes and health enthusiasts.
We will delve into the details surrounding Rich Piana’s passing, including the cause, autopsy findings, and the unhealthy habits that may have led to his premature death.
Rich Piana: A Figure in the Fitness World
Rich Piana was one of the most prominent personas in the fitness industry.
He commenced bodybuilding at the age of 11 and participated in his first competition at 15.
During his career, Piana won several competitions, including the National Physique Committee, such as the Mr. Teen California title in 1989, NPC Mr. California in 1998, and NPC competitions in 2003 and 2009.
Piana also thrived as an entrepreneur, owning a supplement company and launching a series of workout DVDs.
He had a massive following on social media, with over 1.2 million followers on Instagram alone.
Despite the controversy surrounding his steroid use, Piana was known for his benevolence and kindness towards fans and friends.
Cause of Rich Piana’s Death
Rich Piana passed away due to heart failure resulting from complications stemming from an enlarged heart.
He was in a medically induced coma for two weeks before his demise.
The autopsy revealed that his heart was enlarged, weighing over 800 grams, nearly twice the average size.
Experts state that bodybuilders heavily reliant on steroid use and excessive protein intake are at risk of developing cardiac hypertrophy or an enlarged heart.
The heart has to work harder to pump blood, which can lead to heart failure, stroke, or sudden death.
Rich Piana’s Autopsy Report
Following Rich Piana’s death, the autopsy report uncovered several illicit substances in his system at the time of death, including testosterone, anabolic steroids, cocaine, and MDMA.
Although these substances were not cited as the cause of death in the coroner’s report, they may have played a role in Piana’s deteriorating health.
The report ultimately concluded that the primary cause of death was the substantial bodybuilder’s enlarged heart.
Reasons Behind Rich Piana’s Coma
Prior to his death, Rich Piana slipped into a coma after collapsing in his Florida home.
He suffered cardiac arrest. Reports indicate that his girlfriend, Chanel Jansen, discovered him unresponsive in the bathroom while cutting his hair.
Paramedics administered CPR, and he was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Medical professionals then induced a coma to aid in his recovery.
Unfortunately, Piana never regained consciousness and succumbed to heart failure two weeks later.
Rich Piana’s Unhealthy Lifestyle
Rich Piana’s unhealthy lifestyle was widely known. The bodybuilder was recognized for his extravagant workout routines, steroid use, and extensive protein intake.
His diet consisted of nine meals loaded with protein shakes, chicken, rice, and supplements. He claimed to spend over $2,500 a month on growth hormones and steroids alone.
He admitted to using a combination of performance-enhancing substances, such as insulin, human growth hormone, and diuretics.
These substances can lead to severe health issues if not used cautiously.
Piana reportedly suffered from several health problems leading up to his death, including high blood pressure, fluid buildup in the lungs, and breathing difficulties.
Other Athletes Affected by Steroid Use
Rich Piana was not the only athlete who succumbed to complications related to steroid use.
Several other bodybuilders have passed away due to heart issues caused by an enlarged heart.
One of them was Dallas McCarver, a professional bodybuilder who passed away in 2017 at the age of 26.
McCarver’s autopsy also revealed an enlarged heart, and he had been using steroids to enhance his physique.
Another fitness icon, Andreas Munzer, passed away in 1996 after experiencing multiple organ failure due to steroid use.
Munzer was fixated on bodybuilding and would inject up to 40 substances daily to maintain his massive muscles.
