Former Mr. America winner and former powerlifting champion Dean Tornabene passed away on December 28th. At the time of writing this, there's no confirmation on the cause of his passing.

His passing is a loss felt across the fitness community.

Tornabene was one of the earliest trainers at Gold's Gym, having entered powerlifting as a teen. Eventually, Dean Tornabene started to participate in competitions and earned some local-level titles like “Teenage Mr. Pittsburgh” at 19. In that year, he also came in the top three position in “the Mr. Pittsburgh” competition.

After moving to Los Angeles in 1981, Dean Tornabene placed second in 1982 at the NPC Nationals. It was the start of his storied career, and he began writing for Weider publications and personal training at Gold’s in Venice.

The first Classic Mr. Olympia, Danny Hester, commented, “He was a good bodybuilder and accomplished businessman, preaching fitness and knowledge about supplements. Good dude, he was a familiar face every day I was at Golds Venice.”

Kai Greene, the 3 times Arnold Classic title winner, commented, “God bless Dean, his soul and his family.🙌👏🙌👏.” And he wasn't alone. 1989 Mr. Universe winner, Milos Sarcev, also commented, “RIP ❤ ️🙏 Dean.”

The 1983 Mr. Olympia winner Samir Bannout commented, “OMG…. I can't believe it…. Dean just sent me a text message with my cousin George 2 weeks ago💔”.

The team at Bodybuildingbros sends its condolences to Dean's family.

Written by

Supradeep Dutta

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar