The bodybuilding world is in mourning after the sudden death of Craig Licker, a respected former IFBB Pro bodybuilder, at the age of 57.
According to multiple reports, Licker passed away earlier this week. The cause of death has not yet been revealed, leaving friends, fans, and fellow athletes in shock.
Tributes From the Bodybuilding Community
One of the first to publicly honor Licker was Dave Palumbo, a retired bodybuilder and long-time friend. Palumbo remembered him as not only a gifted athlete but a genuinely warm presence in the sport.
“He had a really gifted structure and discipline for bodybuilding,” Palumbo said. “He earned his IFBB Pro card during an era where very few were awarded. He dominated the super competitive middleweight class at the 1994 NPC Nationals—the same year Paul DeMayo won the heavyweight and overall titles. I will miss our always interesting conversations and his great sense of humor. RIP, my friend.”
A Career Built on Discipline and Comebacks
Licker’s career in professional bodybuilding began in 1995, when he stepped onto the stage at the Niagara Falls Pro Invitational and the Houston Pro Championship.
After a hiatus from competition, he made a notable comeback in 2015, competing at the Chicago Pro (placing 12th) and the Tampa Pro (placing 16th). His return to the sport after years away showed the same dedication and love for bodybuilding that defined his early career.
A String of Losses in the Bodybuilding World
Licker’s passing adds to a tragic trend in the bodybuilding community in 2025. Just last week, Hayley McNeff, a 37-year-old competitor, also died unexpectedly. Like Licker, her cause of death remains undisclosed, though her obituary described her passing as “unexpected but peaceful.”
This year has already seen several heartbreaking losses in the sport:
- Guilherme Henrique, 30, passed away in May.
- Zulina Hoyos Mendez, 43, was tragically killed in a hammer attack in June.
- Vito Pirbazari, a bodybuilder and actor from Dogs in Berlin, died after collapsing on a treadmill.
- Jodi Vance, only 20 years old, suffered a fatal heart attack in May.
Each loss has sent ripples through the tight-knit bodybuilding community, reminding fans and athletes alike of the fragility of life—even for those who dedicate themselves to peak physical health.
Remembering Craig Licker’s Legacy
Those who knew Licker describe him as more than an elite competitor—he was a mentor, a motivator, and a source of humor and positivity backstage at events.
His 1994 NPC Nationals win in the middleweight division remains one of his most celebrated achievements, marking him as a top-tier athlete in an era stacked with talent. Earning an IFBB Pro card during that time was considered an extraordinary accomplishment, and Licker’s name was cemented in bodybuilding history.
Final Farewell
As the bodybuilding community grapples with the loss of yet another respected figure, tributes to Licker continue to flood social media. Fans are sharing throwback photos from his competition days, highlighting his sculpted physique, dedication to the sport, and the kindness he extended to fellow competitors.
The cause of his death remains a mystery, but his impact on the sport is undeniable. His journey—from dominating the 1994 NPC Nationals to returning to the stage two decades later—serves as an enduring testament to passion, perseverance, and love for bodybuilding.
Rest in peace, Craig Licker.
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