IFBB Pro bodybuilder Craig Licker has passed away at 57. The news was first reported by Ron Harris, who clarified that the cause of death has not been revealed. 

Licker built his legacy from the ground up and consistently challenged himself against the best bodybuilders in the world. He competed in an era where mass was king, having traded blows onstage with heavy-hitting legends, including former eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman, Kevin Levrone, Gunter Schlierkamp, and Milos Sarcev. 

Also hailing from Massachusetts like Jay Cutler, Licker gained the respect of the bodybuilding scene in Boston throughout the years. Before calling it a career, Licker competed in two final shows back in 2015: the Chicago Pro (12th place) and the Tampa Pro (16th place). 

IFBB Pro Craig Licker Dies at 57 Years Old, Bodybuilding Community Reacts 

Dave Palumbo of RxMuscle shared his thoughts on the loss, paying tribute to Licker’s bodybuilding contributions. 

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“I met Craig back in 1995 and started coaching him soon after… and ultimately that developed into a lifelong friendship. Craig had a really gifted structure and discipline for bodybuilding. If you told him to eat dirt; he’d ask you “how many oz?”

Palumbo revealed that, unlike today’s era, Licker earned his Pro card when very few were awarded to competitors. 

“He earned his IFBB Pro card during an era where very few pro cards were awarded… he dominated the super competitive middleweight class at the 1994 NPC Nationals (the year Paul DeMayo won the HW and Overall)… and struggled to place well in the pro ranks in a time before the 212 division was formed.

“Craig and I both were BMW fanatics .. he had a tuned-to-the-max BMW M3 and I had an M5… we spent ludicrous amounts of money on upgrading our cars and we’d race each other and talk “car shop” all the time
Craig also worked as a salesman in the New England area for Species Nutrition in 2012-13 I will miss our always interesting conversations and his great sense of humor … RIP my friend!” shared Palumbo. 

Contest History 

1991

  • Musclemania Providence – MiddleWeight, 2nd

1992

  • Nationals – NPC, MiddleWeight, 11th

1994

  • Nationals – NPC, MiddleWeight, 1st
  • USA Championships – NPC, MiddleWeight, 1st

1995

  • Houston Pro Championships – IFBB, 13th
  • Niagara Falls Pro Invitational – IFBB, 15th

1997

  • Canada Pro Cup – IFBB, 16th
  • Night of Champions – IFBB, Did not place

1998

  • Toronto Pro – IFBB, 14th

1999

  • Night of Champions – IFBB, Did not place
  • Toronto Pro – IFBB, 13th

2000

  • Ironman Pro Invitational – IFBB, Did not place
  • Night of Champions – IFBB, Did not place
  • Toronto Pro – IFBB, Did not place

2005

  • Toronto Pro – IFBB, Did not place

2015

  • Chicago Pro Championships – IFBB, LightWeight, 12th
  • Tampa Pro Championships – IFBB, LightWeight, 16th 

Unfortunately, the bodybuilding community has been dealt a harsh hand lately. Fitness influencer and Women’s Bodybuilding star Hayley McNeff unexpectedly passed away at just 37 years old. She helped elevate female bodybuilding to a new level. 

Craig Licker never shied away from challenges, making him beloved by fans around the globe. Fitness Volt extends our deepest condolences to his friends and family during this difficult time.