Hearing about the sudden demise of a fellow bodybuilder always hits the bodybuilding community extremely hard. The bodybuilding world is grieving the sudden, tragic loss of José Antonio “Jocha” Hernández Torres, who passed at the age of just 57, leaving behind friends, family, and fans.

A six-time Spanish bodybuilding champion, Jocha was also a 2004 Mr. Universe and a Spanish boxing champion. Spanish local media confirmed his tragic passing on July 6, 2026. Jocha played a massive hand in raising Spain’s bodybuilding profile on the international stage.

He was one of the first Spanish bodybuilders to participate in bodybuilding competitions alongside the world’s elite during the 1980s.

Friends, family, and members of the bodybuilding community poured their tributes as soon as news of his tragic passing was announced on social media, as published by Generation Iron. The Spanish Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (IFBB Spain) shared its condolences on an Instagram post.

The post read, “The Spanish Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (FEFF) joins the family and friends of our great colleague, Juan Antonio Hernández ('Jocha'), in their grief. Rest in peace, my friend,” which has been translated from its original Spanish text.

Several friends and family members also shared their condolences on various social media platforms.

Jocha had become a familiar name in the Canary Islands bodybuilding community. He spent over 4 decades building an incredible legacy and was known as one of the most respected bodybuilding icons in the community.

The four-decade legacy that shaped Spanish bodybuilding

Jocha’s trophy cabinets just tell you a part of the story that he left behind. He has inspired generations of bodybuilders across the globe, enjoying one of Spain’s most decorated careers.

His most notable career achievements include the following:

• He was a six-time Spanish bodybuilding champion
• He was the founder of Jocha Fitness Gym in Tenerife
• He won the 2004 Mr. Universe
• He was the Overall Champion of the Netherlands
• He was a decorated Spanish boxing champion

Jocha’s impact reached far beyond his trophies and titles. He has left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire many young bodybuilders for generations to come.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Jocha’s friends, family, and everyone within the bodybuilding community during this difficult time.

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Written by

Avantika Das

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi