After falling into a coma, the bodybuilding world stops to give tribute to Rich Piana as he tragically passes away.
This week has been tough for bodybuilders and fans of the fitness industry. First, we received the heart-breaking news that Dallas McCarver died.
Now, after fighting for his life in a coma, a true fitness icon has also passed away – Rich Piana.
Bodybuilders pay tribute to bodybuilding/fitness icon, Rich Piana
Many elite bodybuilders have paid tribute to Rich Piana after hearing about his death.
Athletes such as Callum Von Moger have posted on twitter, saying: “A big man with a big heart – RIP Rich Piana.
“This has been a sad week for the fitness world. Reminds us life is short. Life is precious. Enjoy each moment as it could be your last.
“Sending prayers to his family and loved ones.”
The tributes are pouring in from countless fans, with another friend of Rich Piana (Bradley Martyn) posting a heart-felt message too.
One of the more heart-touching tributes was made by Martyn Ford, who was a fellow American bodybuilder.
Martyn wrote on Instagram: “This man has changed my life, put food on my family’s plate and gave me an opportunity when I was a nobody. He saw in me potential and placed his belief in me.
“I strongly believe that if it wasn’t for Rich I wouldn’t be doing what I am today. The film’s have come along as my success under 5% has grown. Words can not explain what love and respect I have for @1dayumay.
“He was a special man and his name will live on.
The family has lost its dad, but we are strong and I know with my passion and love for the team and the strength of my team we will rise and grow. Rich planted a seed, I will make sure that seed flourishes into the most amazing flower!
“We are far more than a company. We are a family! I have had many hours of deep conversation with Rich and I know exactly what this company means to him! What’s insane is it was 2 years ago in Vegas he told me his plans for me.
“To now be back 2 years later, without the man by my side to do this, just know I will make you proud brother.
“Thank you for all you have done for me, I will never forget you and your ‘whaaat up’ miss you brother so much already. God best have some big ass weights up there for you and Dallas sure has taken 2 of the best from us.”
Now, Rich’s ex-wife, Sara Piana has now paid her respects to the bodybuilding icon. Her main message for him was ‘thank you’.
There have been people sceptical about whether the news of Rich’s death was a hoax. However, Sara’s message will know again reinforce the sad reality that he is gone.
Sara’s Instagram message turns very emotional, as she refers to him as her ‘husband’ and points out that they were still legally married (for those that didn’t know).
Here’s Sara’s full message: “I’m in tears writing this that @1dayumay has just passed away. I can barely believe this… I am so saddened & heartbroken that he didn’t make it.
“I just want to say THANK YOU Rich for teaching me so much about life, whether it was the easy or the hard way. We had our ups and downs but we sure had an awesome time in each other’s presence along with us fighting through some dark times together. You truly touched many people’s heart and helped so many!!!
“It inspired me in many ways to see the huge impact you had on people all over the world. Not many people know that me and him are STILL legally married till this day despite all rumors. I have NOTHING to gain by saying that but want everyone to know the truth. I know that people say stuff on social media but I truly am not the “bad” person people think I am.
“I actually saved Rich’s life 1 time before, glad I was there for him at that time. Rich, I hope you feel better now in heaven and that you’re up there healthy, smiling & telling everyone ‘how it is, being REAL & doing your thing’.
“Rest In Peace my dear husband.”
Rich Piana’s Biography
Born in California (USA), Rich found his passion for fitness at the early age of 9; he was inspired by his mother, watching her train and compete in bodybuilding competitions.
Only 6 years later, Rich began competing as a bodybuilder, earning the title of Mr. California by the age of 19.
Ultimately, Rich’s love for the fitness industry was evident throughout his life. He was known for giving ‘whatever it takes’ to achieve the physique he desired – inspiring countless fans in the process.
On the 25th August 2017, the whole fitness and bodybuilding world stood still; it was announced that Rich Piana was dead, after fighting for his life in a coma for a period of time.
SpotMeBro would like to send our sincere condolences to his family, friends and anyone closely linked with him. Pay your tributes in the comments section and be respectful during this period.
RIP bro what a loss to the fitness industry we will always remember u
He was a great guy as like Sun rise. This is very sad news for me and his fans. We will miss u always……. ??
Will be missed but never forgotten,
FOREVER WORKOUT!
R.I.P??
Rip big rich. True inspiration to me and was looking forward to meeting you next year at one of the shows absolutely gutted. Fly high
RIP !
REST IN PEACE RICH .YOU WERE A GREAT INSPIRATION .
RIP to someone Ive looked up to for over 8 years. Still cant believe this… My thoughts and prayers are with his family..
Rest in peace Rich Piana
Love you Rich Piana. Your youtube was very entertaining and positive after long boring days at the office.
RIP
Rest in Peace … i´m glad i could met you once in germany . You were my inspiration and my icon . you will never be forgotten . Now heaven got angels with big biceps . Prayers also to his friends an family
RIP
Thank you for everything you have taught me.
Rip big guy
R.I.P?? You Will be missed❤️❤️❤️
Rip Rich. From a fan in southern TN. Blessings for your family
Rest in peace brother
RIP
Now all the haters that have been fucking him are happy right?
Mother f… he was a truly inspiration RIP
All my thoughts and prayers go out to not only Riches family but also to Dallas McCarvers family as well
No haters anywhere bro, relax!
Wont say rip, he was very active and full of energy to just rest, instead have LOTS OF FUN in Heaven huge behemoth! Growing big and huge in afterlife!!!
No one is hating. People are hear to pay their respects. Keep comments positive and others will do so as well
R.i.P big rich.will be missed hugely
May God rest his soul
Rip big man! Big loss to all the fans and fitness industry. We all will miss ya brother 🙁
guy has inspired me to train hard not only in physical arena but also in real practical world that ” what circumstances may be ,never quit ” .
Thankyou Rip rich piana
RIP BUDDY … U TOLD IT LIKE IT WAS…. PRAYERS TO YR FAMILY
R.I.P. Big Man, you were and are a motivating force and an Icon of Iron …
Rip rich you will always be remembered
Bigger by the day series helped me recover from my depression and from my post Surgery rump. A truly rare genuine human being RIP.
Condolences to the Family.
May America raid the oil in your arms in peace
What?
RIP Rich, a truly unique and genuine good guy sadly gone way before your time. The fitness industry and the rest of the world will no longer be the same.
Rest in peace, Rich. You inspired us all. Today is a truly sad day for all of us who looked up to you, and the fitness industry. Rest easy, buddy.
lol “fitness world”
Rip dude what a legend. From Ian In the UK ?
That’s what steroids do to your body it doesn’t matter if you cycle on and off it’s still bad for your body…… rip we’ll miss ya.
It was about time for the oil industry to start reducing the price per barrel
What a shame Rich couldn’t hang in for the last few reps in the Set of Life. Will miss you and your videos which demonstrated your enthusiasm and passion for Bodybuilding and Life. RIP Rich
Rip big man, condolences to friends and family. You’ve left a big hole in everyone’s hearts
Ye, he overdosed on steroids…. not.
Rip Legend you were my idol really very sad to hear this news
So sad you will be missed ??
RIP Rich, thanks for being a great inspiration and helping so many people, a very sad day.
RIP man (5%) another sad news
R.i.p Rich Piana.. My life will never be the same again…I have followed you from when you were a part of Mutant till you started 5%… Goddammit….
My Man Rich u r in a better world now. R.I.p Rich
C`mon, lets get BIG!!!
Rest in peace Rich.
Sad day
You will forever be missed Rich,
You will live forever in our all hearts my friend.
Hell of a nice guy, I saw him at a mall one day a group of people were heckelin him , about his steriod use and he just smiled & laughed and said you betcha couldn’t look this good with out em, thank you have a great day. Very classy monster of a man. I my self just shook his hand & said your a man among men , pleasure to meet you .
Rest in peace rich you inspired many of people today is sadest day for bodybuildng industry
R. I. P you are a true inspiration to fans around the world.
So sad. We will miss your immense honesty and larger than life personality. RIP
RIP Big Fella thanks for your honesty and just being real , my condolences to Rich’s family , friends , and of course Chanel.
Rip Brother You Are Soo luved N We Will Always Live On Thro Your Name
Legends Never Die
?? Too Soon Brother We luv You
Sad day man have I watched so many videos of rich and the 5% he was an inspiration would have loved to meet him I always kill it after watching some of his videos on YouTube rest in paradise and keep killings it up in the heavens
True lost!
He was unique,one of a kind!
R.I.P. Rich!
We will carry on your legacy!
My life will literally not be the same without being able to go to YouTube and watch Rich’s latest video. He was such a big inspiration to me and filled my head with more valueable knowledge than anyone could ever understand. And not only for me, but literally for anyone willing to listen. Thank you for everything you taught me Rich, I hate that you had to go soon. You will be greatly missed but your name will live on. RIP Rich Piana, ” A big guy with an even bigger heart”
True lost for bodybuiding world bouth Rich and Dallas!
Condolences go out to a real legend in the world of bodybuilding. Never will be forgotten! Prayers and sending our sympathy.
Good riddance
Rest In Peace Rich… God Bless You
Rich Piana was Huge and a laid back man! Besides just watching a few videos of his was inspirational. I have about 8 solid months working out and watching him and other body builders has been of 100% help. May your family and friends cope with this difficult time. Rest easy partna
Man this sucks. But hopefully something good comes out of this. Calm down on the gear and live longer.
RIP to Both guys.. Victor B Cohen
RIP to Both guys.. Victor B Cohen
Last week we lost Dallas and today Rich. RIP both legend and you both will be missed. ???
RIP Big Man!!
Steel bro…..we will always remember you ….in every repetition we made….
Rich, you were truly, and still are one of the most motivational, body builder, and trainer on this planet. you will be missed greatly??????????????????
Be respectful. This is a space for Eulogy.
What a massive shame that such a fit and healthy guy can depart so soon.
God bless Rich!
Sad to see Him Go Rich was Real a true Legend in the Sport of Bodybuilding.
RIP brother
Omdays. Can’t believe he’s gone. Iv watched all his videos mostly. I’m totally shocked. Wtf.. God bless. R. I. P.. Dosnt seem real. He’s only my age. No age really. Jeez I can’t get it out my head he’s gone. Bet his gfs in bits bless her.. R. I. P.. And hugs to his gf..
R.I.P brother!!!
Rest day in Heaven??? Rich wouldn’t be resting even in the afterlife, he’ll be pumping and getting Angels ripped. 5% for life! GIP – Gainz In Peace bro… You will be missed ??
No, for the scripture tells us that for his sake we must be ready for death at every moment of the day– we are like sheep awaiting Slaughter, but despite all of this, overwhelming Victory Is Ours through Christ who loved us through CHRIST who loved us enough To Die For Us… Amen( Romans chapter 8 verse 36 and 37)
I’m a former body builder. Turned strongman. But now retired do to injury. Now returning to body building because of Rich. I met him in Tulsa right after I had my surgeries. He encouraged me a lot to get back into body building and never give up on my health and fitness. He told that one door has been closed so God will open another for me. I love lifting and now I’m back into body building not to compete but for my self. Thank you Rich for not letting me give up. I’ll never forget you or that smile my friend.
Brothers in IRON
I know the massive cycles Rich was doing plus mega dosing GH obviously Didn’t help him, I’m sure his heart was enlarged and weakend, not to mention high BP and whatever else was going on. But in the end his death was actually caused from drug abuse(not the steroid type). Gear can be ran safely as millions of people can prove. Problem is when you go crazy with dosing and never coming off. I’m not condoning steroids but just wanted to show the difference between a responsible user and somebody who abuses. Anyway RIP big guy, no one will ever fill your void.
Rip bro!!! Gone but never forgotten u are an icon and always will b. “Watever it takes”
RIP Rich You was my favourite bodybuilder with the biggest arms ? will never forget You
No one should leave this earth before their time and at such a young age. Prayers to his family and friends. May God ease you pain during this time and may He welcome Him new angel to watch over the busy building community. ???
An honest, real, upfront man. I’ve always watched your videos and your merchandise 5% was the TRUTH! My condolences go out to your family. You are in a better place. RIP Rich Piana
Rich was meant to do this!! It was his life, his passion. Live or die, follow your passion. RIP Rich….enjoyed all you brought to the sport.
God bless Rich Piana.
Really liked watching your videos, inspiration to everyone who enjoys bodybuilding, so sad you gone to soon. RIP Rich Piana.
Unbelievable, unbelievable, unbelievable. Truly truly unbelievable. Now that is just the saddest news. What a larger than life character. He will be missed by a lot of people who took from his motivation, his charisma, his humour, a little something that helped them no doubt with their own goals in life… truly shocking news. What a unique character… Rest in peace ‘God dammit!’ … … …. truly saddening
Rest in perfect peace Rich Piana. I wish I could find out that this is just a big joke. I will personally miss u.
A man who told the TRUTH!!!!!!!!! very rare these days. Nothing fake about him. Ge told you what you needed to hear, NOT what you wanted to hear!!!!!
AN ENTIRE COMMUNITY WEEPS!!!
RIP!! I know you are giving JESUS some AAS advice as we speak.
R.I.P….I drew close to you from your raw untold truths on matters concerning fitness and bodybuilding. Rich, you will not be forgotten.
Rip bro