Ray Mentzer died at age 92 years old on June 21, 1995. During one of these squat gatherings, Ray achieved an astonishing feat lifting a 900-lbs squat for 2 reps. Back in the day, many bodybuilders believed that a high-protein diet was the number one key to building muscle. A 2014 study looked into a connection between anabolic steroids and cardiovascular function. Achieving lower body fat with a higher body weight meant packing on more muscle. It may be more accurate to say steroids don't kill people, abusing steroids kills people. Id answer them back. Eventually, investigators presented a tale of cocaine, sex and greed that they say involved the making of The Cotton Club, named after the famed Prohibition-era jazz club. Outperform yourself, make gains, and enjoy the process. Ray had been ill for some time and was a kidney dialysis patient. Mikes story is one of tragedy, but also of redemption and dedication. ", Even though he felt he was at his best and had no knowledge of the controversy to come, Mike told me in 1993 that he had made up his mind that the 1980 Mr. Olympia would be his last contest: Trying to be the best built man in the world demands total seriousness, but in essence the seriousness and the ambition involved is a little silly., To find out what went down at the 1980 Mr. Olympia including the near fist fight between Mentzer and Schwarzenegger click on http://www.musculardevelopment.com/team-md-blogs/the-mcgough-report/11982-mentzer-vs-arnie.html#.U47ZXCh93oD, In the wake of his fifth place finish at 1980 Mr. Olympia contest, Mike Mentzer's career began to fragment. He described this feeling as being at deaths door. In a career that spanned over three decades, he was one of bodybuildings most But even non-traditional sports like cricket, NASCAR, cycling, and pro-wrestling "entertainment" sports have all made headlines with various reports of PED use. 1971 Mr. Lancaster 1st The next morning he discovered Mike dead in bed, apparently of a heart attack. * November, 1990: Trial begins for the four defendants. Along with more protein than 22%. We cover professional athletes, models and even social media stars to bring you the very best, up to date information in our profiles. A 2012 study in the American Journal of Cardiology investigated mortality rates among NFL players and actually saw that they were, overall, almost half as likely to die as comparably-aged non-athletes. He begantraining 3 times a week and bythe age of 15, Mikecould bench press 370lb (170kg), with a body weight of just165lbs (75kg). At the time of his passing, it was reported that he died after choking on food, but his autopsy report pointed elsewhere. Ultimately, Rays life was one full of success but also tragedy. Though the football players were, not surprisingly, associated with significantly higher rates of neurological and musculoskeletal disease. However, things didn't progress the way Mike had hoped, and after six months, he and Jones severed their business relationship. One year later, he achieved same in the AAU Mr. America show. "I was consumed 24 hours a day by the thought: What can I do today in terms of training, diet, aerobics and motivation to improve myself? It wasnt until the morning of the competition that he felt he had recovered. Click Here for Free Bodybuilding and Fitness Magazine Subscription, Click Here To Get A Free High Intensity Training eBook, Click Here for a Chance to Win Free Bodybuilding Supplements. Thanks for the info, weve now added Ayn Rand into Mikes idols and influences section. Thats all correct now! Is it worth injecting? Both Mentzers were jack offs with ray being the biggest jack off. 1976 IFBB Mr. Universe 2nd (MW) The two moved in together in an apartment, which saw them grow closer over the following months. Mike Mentzer was born in Pennsylvania. Previously, he had started dieting 12 weeks out. Originally, Mike's body was sent to a funeral home in nearby Torrance. Many bodybuilders sell themselves short. Expert Insights To Get Stronger, Gain Muscle Faster, And Take Your Lifting To The Next Level. After a long and exhausting day of work, Ray went to sleep, while Mike stayed working late. Theyd send me little pictures of themselves and all types of stuff. "Bodybuilders' Deaths Lead to Investigation", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ray_Mentzer&oldid=1121569006, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 13 November 2022, at 00:22. * 1987: About 4 1/2 years after the murder, sheriffs investigators receive first major break in the case when they are introduced to William Rider, former brother-in-law and security supervisor for Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt. Is it for money? in Phychology,BSN in Nursing, now 16 year old son will compete in Teen Mr. Mississippi in July! Health became an afterthought. Hed contracted Bergers Disease. Its hard not to surmise that in his frail state of health (in the previous few months he had been rushed to the local emergency room several times) the death of his beloved brother was just too much to bear. Then, in a shocking development, Ray Mentzer was found dead this morning, June 12. If theres something to learn from Ray Mentzer, it would be; never take life for granted, make every day count, and dont spend time doing something you dont love lifes too short for that. Ray died just two days after discovering his brother Mike Mentzer's body in the same apartment due to heart failure.[2]. Ray is one of the strongest bodybuilders I have ever seen in my life and Mike is equally as strong.. In 1982, after years of competing, Mike decided to step down from his competitive career and focus on new endeavors. He also launched a popular rehabilitation clinic in the Southern California region. 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Jordan Michael B. Handsome at Walk of Fame ceremony. Date of death. We don't have much information about He's past relationship and any previous engaged. In 1978, he would win the IFBB Mr. USA title and then the AAU Mr. America competition in 1979. This routine was based on doing 6-9 reps per set at the maximum weight he could lift. Mike Mentzer died on Sunday, June 10th, 2001. Nevertheless, Mike moved in with Ray so that he could look after his brother better. In 1983, he flew to Florida in order to be trained by Arthur Jones. It was a crushing blow. . In fact, carbohydrates made up the bulk of Rays diet. It seemed the curtain had come crashing down in tragic Shakespearian style on Mike Mentzers last act and his name would fade into just a footnote on 20, 2013 NPC Steve Stone New York Metropolitan, 2013 NPC National Bodybuilding Championships, 2014 NPC Steve Stone New York Metropolitan, Myostatin, Creatine and Wine - But Not All at Once, Physicians and Bodybuilders - Satellite Cells. Ray Mentzer (August 3, 1953 June 12, 2001) born in Philadelphia was the 1976 Junior Mr. America, 1978 IFBB Mr. USA and was winner of the 1979 AAU Mr. America competition. In the 1980s, Dr. Robert Goldman began asking top-level athletes if they'd accept a proverbial deal with the devil that guaranteed victory in every competition they entered but also guaranteed their death within five years. His theories and writings continue to be a source for debate, and his books and articles remain popular (see, Mike told me he looked forward to celebrating his 50, Entering his first Olympia in his rookie year of 1979 the heavily fancied Mike lost out to a. loss, Mike planned to leave no stone unturned in his onslaught for the 1980 Olympia crown. A native of Germantown, Pennsylvania, he died of heart failure in Rolling Hills, California at the age of Performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) is the term the public associates with anabolic steroids, even though it's a general category that can include anything from insulin to EPO, a blood "doping" endurance booster, and various non-steroid stimulants. On May 13, 1983, Radin and Greenberger were on their way to dinner to work out their problems. When he signed my book I was in AWE! * Convicted of second-degree murder and kidnaping. I was a productive genius, but I had lost sight of the fact that the body and the mind have limitations. He won the Mr. Olympia title in 1979. Carrier said Michael John Mentzer, 49, a champion bodybuilder whose competitive career ended when he lost the Mr. Olympia title to Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1980, died Sunday morning. According to our Database, He has no children. He previously served as assistant managing editor in charge of California news. Despite his success on the East Coast, Radins real ambition was in Hollywood. Everything I did was marshaled into the spirit of improvement. Ray 1979 IFBB Canada Pro Cup 2nd Personal Trainer, Researcher, Author, Inventor Gym Owner, Doctor, Physical Therapist, Strength & Conditioning Specialist. Hewill always be remembered for not only having one of the greatest physiques of all time, but also for having one of the greatest stories. Goldman consistently found that the majority of athletes would eagerly accept the deal. Later that night at the brothers apartment, despite Ray telling him he should turn in, Mike continued to work on the DVDs script. Mike Mentzer placed 5th. Arnold Schwarzenegger - He's been named the Austrian Oak, The Terminator,John Matrix, Mr. * October, 1988: Greenberger, Robert Lowe, William Mentzer and Alex Marti are arrested by sheriffs deputies and held in connection with the slaying of Radin. No, not every pro has had issues. Then also theres a lot of supplements in health stores that are designed for heavy, regular workouts, and Mentzer also sounded like he did not get regular sleep cycles. That same year his father - whom he idolized - died. Ray retired from active competition in 1982 and started training other champions. Since 1999 Mikes younger brother, by 21 months, Ray had been receiving kidney dialysis and was awaiting a transplant. Mohammed Benaziza: Seven total Grand Prix wins in 1990 and 1992, 1st place at the 1990 Night of Champions (beating Despite this Mike kept up a relentless pace in productive genius style and smoked heavily. Julie, even though our relationship had ended, was very supportive, emotionally and financially, over that whole five-year period, Mike states. Eight years after the bullet-riddled body of New York impresario Roy Radin was found in a dry creek bed near Gorman, a jury Monday found onetime drug dealer and would-be Hollywood deal-maker Karen Greenberger and three bodyguards guilty of murder and kidnaping in what became known as the Cotton Club murder. He was defeated by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1980 Mr. Olympia Those who abuse AAS are the ones stacking eight compounds a week like they think their 290-pound idol does. WebA native of Germantown, Pennsylvania, he died of heart failure in Rolling Hills, California at the age of forty-nine. After making funeral arrangements for his brother, Ray Noticing the appreciative stares from envious strangers, and knowing that every time you hit the gym, youre pushing the boundaries of what you once thought was impossible - makes it all worthwhile. At one time, training for just six weeks, he squatted 902 pounds for 2 repetitions. rhyth. Every lifter needs these five types of people in his life. 2023 Greatest Physiques. Hed do squats for hours on end, together with a few other guys. Ray Mentzer of Centerburg, Knox County, Ohio was born on September 6, 1902. The following morning, on the 10th of June 2001, Ray found that his brother would never wake up. In 1999, after going to a check-up at the doctors, Ray received terrible news. His head was peppered with gunshot wounds. We cover professional athletes, models and even social media stars to bring you the very best, up to date information in our profiles. 1978 IFBB USA vs the World 1st (HW) Almost unbelievably on going to the apartment Joanne found Ray had passed away. John understands quite a bit about the power of ideas and the way they work in the mind. Digesting that loss, Mike planned to leave no stone unturned in his onslaught for the 1980 Olympia crown. Discover Ray Mentzer's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. However, during much of Mike's career bodybuilders overtrained badly - some working out twice a day, six days a week - so his ideas did contribute to restoring a certain balance in the volume of training done by serious bodybuilders. Dont tell me about all this bullshit working out. Rice said that although Michael Mentzer had appeared robust, his medical records showed that he had a history of coronary-related problems.. I hoped and expected for acquittal, said Edward Shohat, Greenbergers attorney. In the last 15 years, roughly one in five wrestler deaths were connected to recreational drug overdose. However,two people remained and supported him; a senior writer for Flex magazine called John Little, and Mikesex-girlfriend Julie McNew. The combination of being emotionally distraught, which can cause an individual to lose conceptual control, exacerbated by my use of amphetamines did something to my emotional core that led me to perform irrational acts that I thought were rational. United States. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a3ca1a8fdbeffdd8bb7f5786098d8b9d" );document.getElementById("de63bbf7bd").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); If you're a vegetarian who's serious about strength training, you need to know how to optimize your diet to get the best results. Almost unbelievably on going to the apartment Joanne found Ray had passed away. Your email address will not be published. 1979 IFBB Southern Pro Cup 1st As Im certain you know, it is very difficult to have great muscle memory retention (and probably thus the shoulder injury he dealt with early on) if you go that long in total resting states. He had a history of heart trouble. I saw him in person in 1979 in Baton Rouge, at a book signing,The Mentzer Method to Fitness. I saw him on stage at the 1978 Mr. Universe qualifying posedown in Cincinnati (listed above as USA versus the World). He had suffered a heart attack in his sleep. Although he wasnt stage-level-ripped, Rays gigantic and muscular frame was a sight to be seen. For Ray, his brother's death was a great tragedy. ", The warning signs were there. As I listened during that fateful May 2001 phone call I couldnt help but think the effusive fast-talking Mike was in the middle of a productive genius phase. The Cotton Club project began after Greenberger introduced Radin to Hollywood filmmaker Robert Evans, who was then her boyfriend. One year earlier, in 1979 Mike had started using amphetamines. Personal Trainer, Researcher, Author, Inventor Gym Owner, Doctor, Physical Therapist, Strength & Conditioning Specialist. may have contributed, there was a history of heart disease in the Mentzer family - all of them died fairly young. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? You'll be seeing more and more serious heart problems, and worse, once these guys hit 40." 1978 IFBB World Amateur Championships 1st (HW) In a sport that, at its core, requires eating well, losing fat, and exercising, why do we see so many bodybuilders dying from similar causes at unusually-young ages? Your email address will not be published. READ OTHER ARTICLES LIKE THIS ONE IN THE MCGOUGH REPORT, Mike Mentzer died 13 years ago this month on June 10, 2001, aged 49. Ray believed that by increasing the time under tension with these methods, hed improve his muscle growth. He never wrote me off.. Mike understood that an individual had individual needs, but inside, we all worked the same. CLICK HERE! During a check-up, Mike discovered that he had severe heart issues, which meant that the kidney transplant was off the table. WebMentzer died on June 10, 2001 in Rolling Hills, California. In my opinion Mr. Mentzer may have went a bit beyond then rested too long, especially up to 7 days. He was subsequently known for creating the "Heavy Duty" training system, derived from the ideas of Nautilus creator Arthur Jones, for whom Mike worked at one time. ), "I didn't think there was anything wrong in taking stimulants to make me work as hard as I was. However, given the suspicious circumstances of the deaths of two brothers dying within two days of each other, the remains of both Mike and Ray have been sent to the coroner's office in order to determine cause of death. When he began his 4 year service to theUnited States air force,Mikewas spending 6 days a week in the gym, normally for up to 3 hours at a time. Some top pros almost reach 50, but even less get to 55 without a major health scare. His brother, Ray, was on medication and did not take the medication hence he died next. [/QUOTE] On June 10, 2001, at approximately 9:00 AM, Mike Mentzer's heart stopped beating while he was asleep. Earlier this year, a blood clot broke loose from his leg and went to his lung. In 1983, Ray continued training extremely hard, using various routines. He was known for being a Bodybuilder. Ray's brother, Mike Mentzer won the rival IFBB Mr. America in 1976 during Ray's Junior title. I wasnt in control of my mind although I thought he was.. A native of Germantown, Pennsylvania, he died of heart failure in Rolling Hills, California at the age of Matarazzo's public callout of the negative effects of drug use may sound far fetched to some, but there's anecdotal and scientific evidence to support his belief. Data was collected from 1985 to 2011 and demonstrated that wrestlers were three to four times more likely than the general population to die between 30 and 50 years old. 1979 IFBB Mr. Olympia 1st (HW) The cause of death has not that is what I am interested in. ", Two days before the 1980 Mr. Olympia being staged in Sydney, Australia, Mike had that same "death's door feeling," which again confined him to bed for a whole day. Part of the reason for his success was he prescribed to his brother's concept of heavy duty training which involved very high intensity 45 minute workout sessions. Would you accept this deal? He passed away less than 48 hours after Mike had died, leaving the bodybuilding world shrouded in black. Greatest Physiques is the number 1 destination for the best looking bodies on the planet. Mike Mentzer was born on the 15th of November, 1951. Many competitive bodybuilders and even non-competitive lifters have. Till then hell just be the proverbial asshole you get wherever you go! Burt Many have felt that steroids had contributed to the deaths of both brothers but this truly is speculation. Along with Mentzer, accused of carrying out the murder. * Also ex-bodyguard for Flynt. According to the prosecution, the deal began to come apart when Greenberger felt she was being cut out of the profits. As Mike puts it in his book Heavy Duty: The fact that muscle is only 22 percent protein suggests that our protein requirements are not nearly that high. Hoe to get them. "I'd exhausted all avenues of thought on my predicament, and realized, On Saturday June 9, 2001 after a long day he wrapped filming of the DVD he so wanted to finish. We will update Ray Mentzer's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible. Not only is he knownas one of the greatest bodybuilders in history, but also as an action movie star, and an American politician. Jones was an accomplished trainer, and inventor of many of the early exercise machines he began training Mike, firmly believing in the teens potential. Ray was also a successful bodybuilder, winning the USA tall class title in 1978 and the AAU Mr. America overall in 1979. The Ray Mentzer story is one of success, but also tragedy. I always admired Mike Mentzer and knew from my own experience that his training philosophy had great validity. ", As 1980 unfolded, however, Mike had no inkling that his competitive career was hurtling toward its conclusion. He was so fatigued that he couldn't even raise his arms, and had to stay in bed for the remainder of the day. WebThere was no obviously apparent cause of death, but medical records indicate that he had a history of heart problems. What can you take from this? Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. It was early May of 2001, when out of the blue I received a phone call in FLEXs LA office from Mike Mentzer. Later, as his bodybuilding progressed, he would move to take between4-7 days rest in between workouts. ..on June 11th at approximately 9:00 PM, Ray Mentzer died in his sleep. Arnold Schwarzenegger - He's been named the Austrian Oak, The Terminator,John Matrix, Mr. Ray, his brother, who is also suffering from illnesses, found him. Think about it. A typical excerpt from Mike's diary during that period reads as follows. A tragic loss, and one that was to be followed shortly after by his brother. Mike did not get his ideas from Jones. Little men like him need to knock the others to make themselves feel good cause they cant do it on their own!!! To his credit John visited Mike and the psychotic episode was soon over. Entering his first Olympia in his rookie year of 1979 the heavily fancied Mike lost out to a Frank Zane whom he outweighed by some 30 pounds. Monday morning, June 11, 2001, an e-mail was sent to us saying that Mike Mentzer has passed away June 9th. Ray, his brother, who is also suffering from illnesses, found him. To compound the loss of Mike, on June 11th, at approximately 9:00 PM, Ray died in his sleep. Ray suffered from kidney failure caused by Berger's Disease. Ray Mentzer and Mike Mentzer flexing together on a beach. You just cant beat that feeling of knowing that your physique is one youve worked hard for. The point is, though, Ray did have his own take on training but was less publically vocal. This may have been a bad move, as 2 years after the blacklisting, Mikehad virtually no income. Ive seen this sort of thing happen before, but not very often, said Scott Carrier, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County coroners office. This was in no small part due to his new training routine, Heavy Duty Training, which was created by his 21-months older brother Mike Mentzer. At this point, most of the bodybuilding community turnedits back on Mike. "The magazine was doing fairly well, when, just as it started to turn a profit, the financial people - for whatever reason - pulled the plug on the whole thing and we ceased operation. Champion bodybuilders are known only to the relatively-small community who follow this fringe sport. To compound the loss of Mike, on June 11th, at approximately 9:00 PM, Ray died in his sleep. And yet, there were still occasions when the demons visited. * Another ex-Flynt bodyguard. Id answer them back. And indeed there were warning signs about his health. Ray's brother, Mike Mentzer won the rival IFBB Mr. America in 1976 during Ray's Junior title. While steroids, amphetamines, smoking, etc. Ray Menzter, age 47, was reportedly very shaken up by the death of his brother. The doctors put him on a kidney dialysis treatment soon after, along with putting him on a kidney transplant waiting list. I wish he continued to compete. It was me that was out of control, not everybody and everything else. Monday morning, June 11, 2001, an e-mail was sent to us saying that Mike Mentzer has passed away June 9th. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. WebPennsylvania, United States. If you're a vegetarian who's serious about strength training, you need to know how to optimize your diet to get the best results. Ray Mentzer didnt share the same opinion. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease. Check out our guide to protein-rich foods to help you on your way - a completely new fitness level is just around the corner. A 2012 report from the American Journal of Cardiology reviewed nearly 50 different studies looking at the effects of anabolic steroids and cardiovascular/metabolic function. He died from kidney failure, a complication resulting from Berger's disease in Rolling Hills, California. Currently he was throwing himself full tilt into producing a DVD and a new book. Ray Mentzer was born on August 2, 1953 and developed a love and passion for bodybuilding at a very young age. The long term results of the era are what we've been seeing over the past couple decades: consequences that are catching up with more and more bodybuilders as reports of health issues from mild to fatal have appeared. * Former bodyguard for Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt. In 1971, Mike suffered a severe shoulder injury that puta long-term pauseon histraining. Greatest Physiques is the number 1 destination for the best looking bodies on the planet. 2023 Greatest Physiques. And Mike wasnt joking. In January 1990 a hospitalized Mike experienced a Eureka moment. Mikes typical training split would look something like this: Dont underestimate the value of a well-balanced diet. 2023 Greatest Physiques. This routine was based on doing 6-9 reps per set at the maximum weight he could lift. Mike Mentzer was a complex and gifted man who left an indelible mark on the bodybuilding landscape. Evans, the former chief of Paramount Pictures and the producer of such hits as Chinatown and The Godfather, was not charged in the crime. I dont see anyone beating him through the early eighties. At a bodyweight of a then unthinkable 250 plus pounds, he added even more muscle within a month, to 260 but leaner. I'd put 110% into the enterprise and it hadn't worked out.". Great profile! Greenberger introduced Radin to Evans and together they struck a deal to finance The Cotton Club.. Ray had to wait for another donor. 4 AM: woke up and read philosophy for two hours, 9 PM: studied philosophy and dealt with mail-order administration, "I was in love with being conscious - amphetamines have that effect on a lot of people. The jurors were ordered not to speak about the case until the penalty phase is concluded. Building muscle gradually became a greater goal than athleticism, strength, and power. And even grimmer component of Ray Mentzer's life was the fact that he died tragically only two days after the unexpected death of his famous brother.