US fitness star, bodybuilder Hayley McNeff shared awe-inspiring message before her ‘unexpected’ death at 37

Bodybuilding champion Hayley McNeff died last Friday died on Friday, according to an obituary published Tuesday. She was 37. McNeff’s death was reported by Boston.com, which described her death as "unexpected but peaceful."

A nutritionist and life coach, Hayley McNeff was a Massachusetts native who graduated from UMass Amherst and became a champion bodybuilder. Hayley, who earned enviable championship titles, shared a now-tragic message about dreams before her sudden death.

ALSO READ: 9 shocking facts about 'killer whale' Orcas that will leave you surprised

Hayley McNeff's last message before unexpected death

According to The Sun, years before her death, the female athlete showed off her gym progress on Instagram. In one of her final posts in 2018, she shared a selfie with the caption "Follow your dreams."


Devastated fans have now left their condolences on the post as they mourn the star athlete. "RIP pretty lady," wrote one fan. In her obituary, McNeff was described as a "lifelong athlete" who "excelled as an accomplished equestrian, a talented board diver, and skier."

After discovering her love for bodybuilding, McNaff quickly rose among the ranks. "Hayley was known for her quick wit and constant sense of humor," her family wrote.

"Her energy and determination was a constant in her life and she always accomplished what she set out to achieve."

ALSO READ: US citizens to receive stimulus check of $2,000 in August? What has Trump said about economic relief

Family speaks out after Hayley McNeff's death

The family of champion bodybuilder Hayley McNeff has broken their silence and has spoken out after her sudden and 'unexpected' death. “Hayley was like a beam of light in this world. She had boundless energy and was very determined to achieve whatever she set out to do,” Hayley’s father Dave tells PEOPLE in an exclusive statement. “She set her sights on bodybuilding and fitness and achieved the highest success that sector offered. She loved us and we love Hayley very much, we miss her madly.”

The 37-year-old bodybuilder died at her home in Sudbury, Mass., on Aug. 8, her family confirmed to PEOPLE. McNeff was born and raised in Concord, Mass., where she graduated from Concord-Carlisle High School and went off to the University of Massachusetts Amherst for her bachelor’s degree, per her obituary.

In addition to bodybuilding, which she picked up as an adult, McNeff excelled at equestrian, board diving and skiing. After stepping away from the sport later in life, she pursued a graduate degree in psychology.

ALSO READ: $5,108 Social Security August payment arriving next week: Are you getting the amount this month? Check exceptions

Per McNeff’s obituary, the late bodybuilding champion will be remembered for her “quick wit” and “constant sense of humor.”

“She had a gift for making those around her laugh and feel welcomed,” the obituary continues. “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. Hayley will be deeply missed by her parents, siblings, extended family, and friends.”

Retired bodybuilder Dave Palumbo mourned his friend in a heartbreaking Facebook post. He said, "She was a good soul, super intelligent and had tremendous potential as a bodybuilder.

ALSO READ: Influencer couple miss flight after ChatGPT advice: How a small mistake turned their dream vacation into a nightmare

"I was proud to be able to call her a friend." Another friend, Maryann Amerault, shared fond memories of the two living together in 2010 as they trained and competed in Las Vegas.

"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.