NEED TO KNOW

  • Hayley McNeff, a champion bodybuilder and fitness influencer, died on Aug. 8 at age 37
  • According to her obituary, published in a local Boston outlet, McNeff’s death was “unexpected but peaceful”
  • “She had a gift for making those around her laugh and feel welcomed,” reads the obituary, remembering the late champion

Hayley McNeff, a champion bodybuilder and fitness influencer, died on Aug. 8 at age 37.

According to an obituary published in local outlet Boston.com on Aug. 12, the death of the lifelong athlete was “unexpected but peaceful.”

McNeff was born and raised in Concord, Mass., graduating from Concord-Carlisle High School and University of Massachusetts Amherst, per the obituary. Over the course of her life, she excelled at a variety of sports: equestrian, board diving and skiing in her earlier years, and bodybuilding as an adult.

Per her obituary, McNeff was a decorated bodybuilder, including state titles in Maryland and Delaware, and she was featured in the 2005 documentary Raising the Bar, which explores the world of competitive bodybuilding. 

Hayley McNeff.

Hayley McNeff/Instagram

Later in her career, after retiring from the sport, she went on to pursue a graduate degree in psychology.

According to her obituary, McNeff will be remembered for her “quick wit” and “constant sense of humor.”

“She had a gift for making those around her laugh and feel welcomed,” the obituary continues.
“Her 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.”

Hayley McNeff.

Hayley McNeff/Instagram

Following the tragic news, peer bodybuilder Dave Palumbo posted a touching tribute remembering the late champion.

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“I’m sad to hear of the passing of former woman bodybuilder,” wrote Palumbo in a post on Instagram. “She left us way too soon. She was a good soul, super intelligent and had tremendous potential as a bodybuilder.”

Hayley McNeff.

Hayley McNeff/Instagram

McNeff’s family will hold a visitation in Wellesley, Mass., on Saturday, Aug. 16. They have requested attendees make a donation to the National Alliance on Mental Illness in McNeff’s honor.