The bodybuilding community is mourning the sudden loss of coach and athlete Jodi Vance, who tragically passed away during the 2025 Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio.
Reports indicate that she succumbed to a severe heart attack due to extreme dehydration while attending the event in a coaching capacity.
Jodi Vance is survived by her fiancée, April Spears, and mother, AprilRose Garcia.
The Vance family announced her passing via her Instagram account, writing,
From Jodi’s family and loved ones: for those that haven’t heard yet, Jodi passed away yesterday afternoon. Her heart stopped due to complications of severe dehydration. Despite all efforts by the hospital, they were unable to revive her. She was a beautiful person inside and out and she will be missed every single day. This was sudden and unexpected. Please give her family time to process this loss in peace. If anyone takes anything from this, please put your heath first.
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The community continues to express condolences and support for her loved ones during this difficult time.
Her Death Has Brought Renewed Attention To The Dangers Of Extreme Competition Prepping
Vance’s untimely death has brought attention to the dangers associated with extreme dehydration practices and hazardous competition preparation in competitive sports, especially bodybuilding.
Such practices can lead to severe health complications, including electrolyte imbalances, decreased kidney function, and increased risk of cardiovascular events.
The New York State Department of State Division of Licensing Services highlights that dehydration can cause blurred vision, dry eyes, and mood swings, among other issues.
Jodi’s coach, Justin Mihaly, disclosed in an Instagram video that she had used hazardous substances without his or her family’s knowledge, possibly to enhance her physique for the Arnold Expo.
He quoted,
“Jodi used two extremely hazardous substances to improve her physique. I assume just for the Arnold Expo. Without my knowledge, my approval, without family’s knowledge, their approval. But Jodi was not prepping for Arnold. She was not in peak weeks. There’s no reason she should have
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been dehydrated. Jodi comp
Jodi Vance was a respected figure in the bodybuilding community, known for her dedication both as a competitor and as a coach.
She actively mentored up-and-coming athletes, sharing her knowledge and passion for the sport.
Her commitment to excellence earned her affiliations with several fitness organizations, and she was recognized for her disciplined approach and motivational coaching style.
Jodi, a recent B.S. Sports and Exercise Science graduate, was active on Instagram, posting her bodybuilding progress, tips, and achievements.
Vance was affiliated with Better Bodies, a well-known fitness apparel and gym clothing brand.
She was also a brand specialist for GASP, another prominent bodybuilding clothing and weightlifting apparel company.
Jodi Was In A Loving Relationship With April Spears
Jodi Vance was in a loving relationship with her partner, April Spears, a personal trainer originally from Kentucky and currently based in Texas.
On October 27, 2024, Jodi wrote a heartfelt post celebrating their engagement,
Your loyalty and commitment over the year has shown what a rare and special person you are—someone who deserves a love as unwavering as the one you give. I want to give you all of me, the parts you love (besides my lats) and even the ones that drive you crazy. I want to walk with you through every chapter of life, for the rest of our days.
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So, from the depths of my heart I love you
Her mother, AprilRose Garcia, who is also a bodybuilder, wrote about her daughter’s death,
The storm is starting to settle, my mind is telling my heart to keep making you proud . Little Miss Jodi ,you my friend are truly missed , thank you for the inspiration the motivation the push and the encouragement to see the best in me.
Instagram
I will continue to implement the Jodi gains in your honor.. I love you sweet girl Rest in Heaven
Friends, Family, And The Community Fondly Remember Jodi Vance
The news of Jodi’s passing has elicited an outpouring of grief and condolences from the fitness community.
Generation Iron, a prominent bodybuilding media outlet, shared on their Facebook page,
The fitness community mourns the loss of coach and athlete Jodi Vance, who died this weekend reportedly from extreme dehydration.
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One commenter wrote,
The things athletes put themselves through just to get a win 🙁
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Another shared,
This happens yearly to quite a few competitors all over the US and other countries. Abusing diuretics other drugs then intentionally dehydrating yourself. Countless times yearly competitors are found DEAD in there hotel rooms. Either before or after prejudging are no shows for the night show. The lucky ones pass out on stage or backstage then rushed to a hospital. Even worse these competitors listen take advice put there lives in there hands.
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Jodi Vance’s untimely death serves as a poignant reminder of the potential health risks associated with extreme physical conditioning and dehydration practices.
Her contributions to the bodybuilding community, both as an athlete and a coach, have left an indelible mark.
As the community grapples with this loss, the focus remains on honoring her legacy and extending support to her loved ones during this difficult time.
