He was known for being a Bodybuilder. Mikes form would be kept absolutely perfect. 1976 IFBB Mr. America 1st (Overall) It was at that event that Mikewould would be introduced toArthur Jones. WebThere was no obviously apparent cause of death, but medical records indicate that he had a history of heart problems. WebRay Mentzer Cause of Death Sadly, Ray Mentzer would contract Berger's Disease which would lead to kidney problems that contributed to his passing. Thats all correct now! Jones was an accomplished trainer, and inventor of many of the early exercise machines he began training Mike, firmly believing in the teens potential. It was on a visit to the West Coast in 1982 that he met Greenberger, an alluring drug dealer with links to the Latin American drug underworld who also had ambitions of breaking into the movie business. Our exclusive interview with Val Segal, the person who spent the last hours with Mike and Ray Mentzer! This was considered such an outrageous weight for a small man that it fueled rumors of significant steroid use although, quite honestly, no one knows for sure and to speculate without definitive facts would be unfair to his memory. One year earlier, in 1979 Mike had started using amphetamines. may have contributed, there was a history of heart disease in the Mentzer family - all of them died fairly young. As reported at some length in the June 14th, 2001 edition of the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles County coroner's office is currently investigating the deaths of bodybuilding brothers Mike and Ray Mentzer, who died within two days of each other. Eventually, the Ray Mentzer bodybuilding training sessions led to him bulking up to a shocking 275lbs. Ray, his brother, who is also suffering from illnesses, found him. To compound the loss of Mike, on June 11th, at approximately 9:00 PM, Ray died in his sleep. Ray suffered from kidney failure caused by Berger's Disease. Both brothers lived in Redondo Beach, and they shared an apartment together. Would you accept this deal? At one time, training for just six weeks, he squatted 902 pounds for 2 repetitions. There was a strain and tension in the air all the way through. As he waited for the kidney transplant, Ray discovered that his brother Mike had serious heart issues which led to Mikes death on June 10th, 2001. Arnold Schwarzenegger - He's been named the Austrian Oak, The Terminator,John Matrix, Mr. He did this at the University of Maryland however in 1977 Mike dropped out, realizing the subject wasnt for him. Think about it. 2023 Greatest Physiques. I wanted the magazine to be the absolute best I could make it, and I worked harder than I'd worked in my entire life. After making funeral arrangements for his brother, Ray Mentzer's body was found in bed at the apartment. Personal Trainer, Researcher, Author, Inventor Gym Owner, Doctor, Physical Therapist, Strength & Conditioning Specialist. Not only is he knownas one of the greatest bodybuilders in history, but also as an action movie star, and an American politician. Do any supplements work? Greatest Physiques is the number 1 destination for the best looking bodies on the planet. Fame? The two brothers dying within 48 hours of each other shocked the bodybuilding world. WebMentzer died on June 10, 2001 in Rolling Hills, California. The cause of death has not He is currently single. BOTH were winners of the coveted Mr. America title. A quick browse online will show you tons of recreational lifters discussing plans for their first, second, third, or fourth steroid cycle. All rights reserved. P.S. Id answer them back. However,two people remained and supported him; a senior writer for Flex magazine called John Little, and Mikesex-girlfriend Julie McNew. Thanks for the info, weve now added Ayn Rand into Mikes idols and influences section. If you knew these seven things about lifting or bodybuilding beforehand, would you even bother walking into a gym? Hewill always be remembered for not only having one of the greatest physiques of all time, but also for having one of the greatest stories. Los Angeles, Calmes: Heres what we should do about Marjorie Taylor Greene, David Lindley, guitarist best known for work with Jackson Browne, dies at 78, ICE detainees allege retaliation for speaking about medical conditions at Otay Mesa center, Downtown L.A stabbing sends six to hospital; suspect arrested, San Diego Roman Catholic diocese facing yet another lawsuit from its insurance company, K-Pop isnt the only hot ticket in Koreatown how trot is captivating immigrants, Los Angeles is suddenly awash in waterfalls. John understands quite a bit about the power of ideas and the way they work in the mind. Mike was 49 and Ray was 47. "I was still using amphetamines, and that use, in association with the series of traumas, did something to my mind that I'm fairly clear about today, although these things are very complex. He started dieting in February for the October contest. To his credit John visited Mike and the psychotic episode was soon over. WebThe grave site of Ray Mentzer. In the 50+ years since his article, plenty of bodybuilders have misused or abused steroids and other PEDs and have paid the ultimate price: These bodybuilders are thankfully still alive at the time of this writing, but have suffered major health issues. At the time of his passing, it was reported that he died after choking on food, but his autopsy report pointed elsewhere. In 1983, Ray continued training extremely hard, using various routines. This approach has always been considered controversial and is contradicted by a great deal of exercise physiology reasearch. He also did stutter reps and slow negatives. Excellent mindset for bodybuilders to learn from and improve. 1971 Mr. Lancaster 1st We know that PEDs are widespread in professional sports like baseball, football soccer, and MMA. During his downtime, Mike began studying to be a psychologist in 1974 to keep his academic mind active. The initial reports of Ray's death circulating through the bodybuilding community were that he had committed suicide, but this has yet to be confirmed. The weightsmoved in a perfectly controlled and slow manner. * July 22, 1991: Jury, which began deliberations July 10, convicts Greenberger and Lowe of second-degree murder and kidnaping and convicts Mentzer and Marti of first-degree murder and kidnaping. MIKE MENTZER - The Untold Story - Muscular Development Mike had a heart attack during his sleep. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. Achieving lower body fat with a higher body weight meant packing on more muscle. In 1971, Mikewon his first competition, the Mr. Lancaster at the age of 18. Ray had been ill for some time and was a kidney dialysis patient. I wasnt in control of my mind although I thought he was.. "I looked my best, but I didn't feel at my best. 1979 IFBB Night of Champions 3rd This is where things started going downhill. Greenberger, Mentzer, Marti and Lowe were arrested in 1988--five years after Radins body was found by a beekeeper in a desolate canyon 65 miles north of Los Angeles. Arnold, despite breaking formation on several occasions and receiving a warning from the judges placed 1st. He was obsessed with the thought of making movies. "I was consumed 24 hours a day by the thought: To find out what went down at the 1980 Mr. Olympia including the near fist fight between Mentzer and Schwarzenegger click on, http://www.musculardevelopment.com/team-md-blogs/the-mcgough-report/11982-mentzer-vs-arnie.html#.U47ZXCh93oD, In 1983, ace inventor and entrepreneur Arthur Jones recruited Mike and brother Ray (1979 Mr. America) to work with him on research projects he was undertaking at his Nautilus headquarters in Deland, Florida. We have estimated And the more that look was rewarded, the more competitors pursued it. When he began his 4 year service to theUnited States air force,Mikewas spending 6 days a week in the gym, normally for up to 3 hours at a time. Complex, B-12, B-2. Rather than wallow in the dark aspects of Ray's death, it would be better to look towards his interesting life instead. There certainly may be cases where underlying natural causes were a key factor in a death, but it seems to be a common and unfortunate go-to excuse whenever a physique athlete dies. A tragic loss, and one that was to be followed shortly after by his brother. He later was named to run science coverage. One of Rays biggest influences in bodybuilding was Bill Pearl. The next morning he discovered Mike dead in bed, apparently of a heart attack. Although he wasnt stage-level-ripped, Rays gigantic and muscular frame was a sight to be seen. However, the doctors first needed to check if Mikes kidney was compatible with Ray. They cant take away the pain and no one can bring him back.. The Legendary Mentzer Brothers 06/28/01 - New information on this tragedy can be found. The younger Mentzer was devastated as he went about making funeral arrangements. RAY MENTZER Mentzer Also learn how He earned most of networth at the age of 48 years old? William Mentzer, 42, and Alex Marti, 30, were convicted of first-degree murder. He enjoyed the work, but he relied upon amphetamines to meet deadlines, on occasion staying awake for two or three days straight. Both Mentzers were jack offs with ray being the biggest jack off. Our exclusive interview with Val Segal, the person who spent the last hours with Mike and Ray Mentzer! Outperform yourself, make gains, and enjoy the process. Dont tell me about all this bullshit working out. Ray retired from active competition in 1982 and started training other champions. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Ray Mentzer. Every lifter needs these five types of people in his life. What to take. Later that day, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was believed to be retired, announced his intentions to compete at the event. He had suffered a heart attack in his sleep. The two moved in together in an apartment, which saw them grow closer over the following months. Insulin, HGH, and various diuretics supposedly gained traction in the '90s, and they tend to have a greater risk-to-reward ratio. For the record, we now know Arnold was terrific when Ray fell ill and offered his personal help and support. Its fair to say that Arthur Jones was the man behind the success of Mike Mentzer, and so should be classed as one of his major influences. Ray Mentzer (August 3, 1953 June 12, 2001) born in Philadelphia was the 1976 Junior Mr. America, 1978 IFBB Mr. USA and was winner of the 1979 AAU Mr. America competition. "Heavy Duty" involves doing very few, extended sets (using techniques like negative repetitions, forced reps, partial reps and done primarily on machines rather than using free weights). I'd read the literature on amphetamines and had never heard of any long-term physical damage, but I did know that it could possibly result in acute episodes of psychosis. He has lived along the levees of the Sacramento Delta, the Powell-Hyde Street cable car line and the shaded streets of Pasadena. But the big question is, are preexisting conditions made worse by excessive drug use? I was a productive genius, but I had lost sight of the fact that the body and the mind have limitations. Coupled with an overwhelming amount of calories he ate, Ray soon reached the 250lbs mark of weight. We hadnt spoken for over five years. READ OTHER ARTICLES LIKE THIS ONE IN THE MCGOUGH REPORT, Mike Mentzer died 13 years ago this month on June 10, 2001, aged 49. The doctors put him on a kidney dialysis treatment soon after, along with putting him on a kidney transplant waiting list. The mortician said that Raymond Mentzer, who suffered from kidney problems and had been undergoing dialysis treatments, appeared very shaken by his brothers death. Bad for metabolism, circad. ", Even though he felt he was at his best and had no knowledge of the controversy to come, Mike told me in 1993 that he had made up his mind that the 1980 Mr. Olympia would be his last contest: Trying to be the best built man in the world demands total seriousness, but in essence the seriousness and the ambition involved is a little silly., To find out what went down at the 1980 Mr. Olympia including the near fist fight between Mentzer and Schwarzenegger click on http://www.musculardevelopment.com/team-md-blogs/the-mcgough-report/11982-mentzer-vs-arnie.html#.U47ZXCh93oD, In the wake of his fifth place finish at 1980 Mr. Olympia contest, Mike Mentzer's career began to fragment. However, not long after closing the curtains on his bodybuilding career, Ray started having kidney problems. Burt At this point, most of the bodybuilding community turnedits back on Mike. We don't have much information about He's past relationship and any previous engaged. * Former bodyguard for Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt. workouts. Really. On Tuesday, Rice telephoned the Mentzer home in a small unincorporated district surrounded by Rolling Hills Estates. He was a judges favorite, andmany competitors believed with his new fame he could win purely on popularity. We cover professional athletes, models and even social media stars to bring you the very best, up to date information in our profiles. To compound the loss of Mike, on June 11th, at approximately 9:00 PM, Ray died in his sleep. The jury also found that Mentzer and Marti killed Radin for financial gain during a kidnaping--special circumstances that open the possibility of death in the gas Ray was on the waiting list for a transplant, and the obvious choice was his 21-month older brother Mike. Mike And Ray Mentzer Pass Away Due To Health Issues. Health became an afterthought. Click Here for the interview we did with Mike Mentzer just before he died. Mentally, he went into a different gear and battened down the hatches earlier and more securely than for any other competition. Ray would later become a bodybuilding legend for his vascular 20+ inch arms, and for reaching a then unthinkable 275lbs of weight. His progress over the next few years was onward and upward. Mike Mentzer's Death Cause and Date - The Celebrity Deaths Mike was 49 and Ray was 47. Your email address will not be published. Professional athletes seeking every possible advantage and recovery method shouldn't surprise us, even when it's directly prohibited by their sport's rules and the law. In a career that spanned over three decades, he was one of bodybuildings most "Most guys think nothing bad will ever happen to them. In the 1970s, Michael Mentzer created shock waves in the bodybuilding industry by preaching the notion that seven-day-a-week training was unnecessary. The jury also found that Mentzer and Marti killed Radin for financial gain during a kidnaping--special circumstances that open the possibility of death in the gas chamber for both men. 'Cotton Club' Jury Convicts 4 of Murder - Los Angeles Times He also launched a popular rehabilitation clinic in the Southern California region. All rights reserved. Greenberger had been accused of hiring Mentzer, Marti and Lowe to kill Radin because she feared she was being cut out of a producers role--and profits--in the movie The Cotton Club, a film about a Harlem speak-easy that was a critical and financial flop. It's probably even more true that other bodybuilding-related drugs bring higher risks than anabolic steroids. To get back in the action, Mike entered1975 IFBB Mr. America to see where he stood. 1971 AAU Teen Mr America 2nd Thirty years ago, the average non-professional athlete was uninterested in using steroids. That same year his father - whom he idolized - died. However, year also marked his worstdefeat; 10th place at the AAU Mr. America. Hed contracted Bergers Disease. In 2014, the Public Library of Science published a report investigating the mortality rate among active pro wrestlers. This would make him go beyond the point of muscle failure. Required fields are marked *. This routine was based on doing 6-9 reps per set at the maximum weight he could lift. Evans, the former chief of Paramount Pictures and the producer of such hits as Chinatown and The Godfather, was not charged in the crime. A typical excerpt from Mike's diary during that period reads as follows. In a sport that, at its core, requires eating well, losing fat, and exercising, why do we see so many bodybuilders dying from similar causes at unusually-young ages? Champion bodybuilders are known only to the relatively-small community who follow this fringe sport. Or do they roll the dice just to build more muscle and drop more fat than the next guy? Every Saturday evening, Ray would host so-called Saturday night squat parties. Once he reached that point, Ray would h In 1999, Ray started kidney dialysis 4 times each week, and extensive testing was performed on him to determine if he could handle a kidney transplant. Radins decomposed body was found a month after his disappearance. Its been so many years and of course, you lose hope. He dies on June 12, 2001 The results suggest that heavy steroid users are more likely to have irregular heart function and a higher mortality rate compared to natural lifters. After a day of shooting, Ray turned into bed. He was found dead in his apartment, due to heart complications, by his younger brother and fellow bodybuilder Ray Mentzer. And Mike wasnt joking. At only 23, he captured both the Junior Mr. America title and the IFBB Mr. America championship. During one of his evening training sessions, he was seen doing a 900-pound squat for two reps. Mike Mentzer died on Sunday, June 10th, 2001. I saw no problem for me because I was convinced I was focused enough and that my use was channeled in a positive direction. [Mike had taken a three year course, commencing in 1974, at the University of Mayland, with the eventual goal of being a psychiatrist , but he dropped out in 1977 disillusioned with the subject. Little men like him need to knock the others to make themselves feel good cause they cant do it on their own!!! Discover the cheat that athletes use to cut fat quickly and get defined muscles. I remember reading the magazines at the time. * Another ex-Flynt bodyguard. Great article, but the accomplished must be revisited. Id put 110% into the enterprise and it hadnt worked out.. At a bodyweight of a then unthinkable 250 plus pounds, he added even more muscle within a month. Required fields are marked *. "The magazine was doing fairly well, when, just as it started to turn a profit, the financial people - for whatever reason - pulled the plug on the whole thing and we ceased operation. Rays intense training was often followed by 3-4 days of complete rest. It was me that was out of control, not everybody and everything else. On June 9th, 2001, Ray and Mike were working on their new training DVD calledHIT. Death by Muscle "I was consumed 24 hours a day by the thought: What can I do today in terms of training, diet, aerobics and motivation to improve myself? He is a member of famous with the age 48 years old group. She said she was pleased that her brothers killers had finally been brought to justice. Get our L.A. I dont see anyone beating him through the early eighties. The long term results of the era are what we've been seeing over the past couple decades: consequences that are catching up with more and more bodybuilders as reports of health issues from mild to fatal have appeared. Ray Mentzer (August 2, 1953 June 12, 2001) was the brother of Mike Mentzer and winner of the 1979 AAU Mr. America competition. I wish he continued to compete. Despite his success on the East Coast, Radins real ambition was in Hollywood. And indeed there were warning signs about his health. Answers here. One of the greatest of all time in my opinion. The verdicts were sealed until Monday. And even grimmer component of Ray Mentzer's life was the fact that he died tragically only two days after the unexpected death of his famous brother. Press reports of the Mentzer deaths stressed that they were both bodybuilders. State prison correction officers brutally pummeled an inmate serving a life sentence for the murder of a Suffolk County mom, driving him to suicide, a disturbing new lawsuit charged Monday. Ultimately, Rays life was one full of success but also tragedy. Ray Mentzer Both brothers had a history of health problems, including heart problems. How Mike Mentzer Died: Cause of Death, Age at Death, and More! - Celebs Who Died How Mike Mentzer Died: Cause of Death, Age at Death, and More! Mike Mentzer reached the not so modest age of 49 years. Find out the cause of death and more exciting information regarding the death of this famous Bodybuilder. This was met with anger from many contestants, including Mentzer. By the age of 23, Ray was a full-time competitor. This routine was based on doing 6-9 reps per set at the maximum weight he could lift. But even non-traditional sports like cricket, NASCAR, cycling, and pro-wrestling "entertainment" sports have all made headlines with various reports of PED use. The weight would be so heavy that by the 9th rep, Ray would reach failure. It was time to 'Go back to what you know, Mike Mentzer!'". The body of Mike Mentzer, age 49, was discovered by his brother Ray on Sunday, June 10th, at the home they shared together in the vincinity of the Rolling Hills Estates area of Los Angeles. He never wrote me off., In January 1990 a hospitalized Mike experienced a Eureka moment. However,while getting checked out if he could provide the organ to his brother doctors discovered Mike had very serious heart problems. Can you boost GH naturally? Mikes typical training split would look something like this: Dont underestimate the value of a well-balanced diet. Cotton Club' Jury Convicts 4 of Murder Mike offered to be a donor to his sibling who had won the 1979 Mr. America, before it was discovered that he had serious heart problems, which precluded him from being a candidate. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. Try to find a dozen healthy IFBB pros who successfully competed in the '90s. 1975 IFBB Mr. America 3rd (Medium) Gross abuse of anabolic steroids (AAS), growth hormone, insulin, and diuretics are some of the major factors believed to be responsible for a disproportionate number of lean and muscular corpses. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease. Ray and Mike Mentzer were probably the most legendary bodybuilding brothers of all time. He was 33 years old. 1976 IFBB Mr. Universe 2nd (MW) Except this time, things were different. In a career that spanned over three decades, he was one of bodybuildings most prominent, inspirational and controversial figures. It is only within the context of having properly developed your mind that you will be able to truly enjoy the achievement of your material values, including that of a more muscular body.. In her testimony, Greenberger said Evans had nothing to do with Radins death. Raymond Mentzer Noticing the appreciative stares from envious strangers, and knowing that every time you hit the gym, youre pushing the boundaries of what you once thought was impossible - makes it all worthwhile. How Mike Mentzer Died: Cause of Death, Age at Death, and More! 21 Bodybuilders Who Died of Heart Attack Fitness Volt Theyd send me little pictures of themselves and all types of stuff. Arnold was also set to take part in a bodybuilding video with the two brothers but death came too quickly for this to happen. He quickly fell in love with the iron and began sculpting his body. Then also theres a lot of supplements in health stores that are designed for heavy, regular workouts, and Mentzer also sounded like he did not get regular sleep cycles. Kaiserman said he thought the jurys decision showed that they believed Greenberger had not intended to murder Radin, but rather to kidnap him to find out who was behind a large theft of cocaine from Greenbergers residence. Ray died just two days after discovering his brother Mike Mentzer's dead body in the very same apartment due to heart failure. Greenberger, 43, and Robert Lowe, 44, were convicted of second-degree murder and kidnaping, requiring an automatic life sentence without possibility of parole. Lipscomb said that because a death occurred during the kidnaping, Greenberger and Lowe will be in prison for the rest of their lives. Eight years after the bullet-riddled body of New York impresario Roy Radin was found in a dry creek bed near Gorman, a jury Monday found onetime drug dealer and would-be Hollywood deal-maker Karen Greenberger and three bodyguards guilty of murder and kidnaping in what became known as the Cotton Club murder. Los Angeles County sheriffs investigators had all but ended their investigation of Radins murder, but a break came in 1987 when they met William Rider, the brother-in-law and onetime security chief for Larry Flynt, publisher of Hustler magazine.