Cedric McMillan, a bodybuilder who won multiple titles and served for more than 20 years in the U.S. Army, died Tuesday, his sponsor confirmed. He was 44.
McMillan’s death was confirmed in an Instagram post by his sponsor, Black Skull USA. No cause of death was given.
“We regret to inform you that our friend and brother @cedricmcmillan passed away today,” the post stated. “Cedric will be greatly missed as an athlete, comrade, friend, and father. Our prayers are with all his family and friends. He ‘fought the good fight’ and now he rests.”
McMillan won the 2017 Arnold Classic, named for Arnold Schwarzenegger, the former bodybuilding champion who later became an actor and politician.
McMillan became a professional bodybuilder in 2009 and won a string of competitions that culminated in the 2017 Arnold Classic, the BBC reported. He has been unable to compete since 2020 after being plagued by health problems suffered that included a serious bicycle crash, according to the network.
The bodybuilder also said he suffered a near-death experience in 2021 after he contracted COVID-19, NBC News reported.
McMillan added that he was having trouble breathing and when he went to the hospital, he was diagnosed with pneumonia.
“They noticed my heart function was very low. They determined the heart function ... could be low because of the virus,” Generation Iron reported.
McMillan’s final victory came at the 2019 Grand Prix Hungary, which qualified him for the 2020 Mr. Olympia competition. However, he skipped that contest and the 2021 Arnold Classic, according to BarBend, a website that provides news coverage about strength sports and fitness.
McMillan was a member of the South Carolina National Guard at the time of his death, a spokesperson told CNN. She confirmed that the National Guard had been notified of his death, but declined to comment further.
The Arnold Sports Festival, which organizes the Arnold Classic, said it was “heartbroken” over McMillan’s death.
“Known for his larger-than-life personality, his infectious smile, a gentle heart, and a sense of humor that was loved by fellow competitors and fans alike, Cedric will be deeply missed,” an Instagram post said.
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