NEED TO KNOW<\/p>\n
The family of influencer and champion bodybuilder Hayley McNeff<\/a> is speaking out after her sudden death<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n \u201cHayley was like a beam of light in this world. She had boundless energy and was very determined to achieve whatever she set out to do,\u201d Hayley\u2019s father Dave tells PEOPLE in an exclusive statement. \u201cShe set her sights on bodybuilding and fitness and achieved the highest success that sector offered. She loved us and we love Hayley very much, we miss her madly.\u201d\n<\/p>\n The 37-year-old bodybuilder died at her home in Sudbury, Mass., on Aug. 8, her family confirmed to PEOPLE.\n<\/p>\n According to an official obituary<\/a> published in local outlet Boston.com on Aug. 12, the death of the lifelong athlete was \u201cunexpected but peaceful.\u201d\n<\/p>\n McNeff was born and raised in Concord, Mass., where she graduated from Concord-Carlisle High School and went off to the University of Massachusetts Amherst for her bachelor\u2019s degree, per her obituary. In addition to bodybuilding, which she picked up as an adult, McNeff excelled at equestrian, board diving and skiing.\n<\/p>\n Hayley McNeff.<\/p>\n Hayley McNeff\/Instagram<\/p>\n McNeff\u2019s obituary says she was a decorated bodybuilder \u2014\u00a0counting state titles in Maryland and Delaware among her achievements \u2014 and she was featured in the 2005 documentary Raising the Bar, which explores the world of competitive bodybuilding.\n<\/p>\n After stepping away from the sport later in life, she pursued a graduate degree in psychology.\n<\/p>\n Per McNeff\u2019s obituary, the late bodybuilding champion will be remembered for her \u201cquick wit\u201d and \u201cconstant sense of humor.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Hayley McNeff.<\/p>\n Hayley McNeff\/Instagram<\/p>\n \u201cShe had a gift for making those around her laugh and feel welcomed,\u201d the obituary continues. \u201cHer energy and determination was a constant in her life and she always accomplished what she set out to achieve. She treasured her friendships and nurtured strong, lasting relationships with those who knew her best. Hayley will be deeply missed by her parents, siblings, extended family, and friends.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Never miss a story \u2014 sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter<\/a> to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer\u200b\u200b, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n