Family have announced that Pro Bodybuilder Ashley Gearhart has passed away.
Ashley Gearhart, IFBB Pro Physique Bodybuilder, passed away on Saturday, January 29th, 2022. The news was announced by her sister in a Facebook post on January 31st. Gearhart had been competing in bodybuilding for nearly ten years and earned her pro card in 2018. At the time of this writing, the cause of death has not been revealed – though it was mentioned that she passed in her sleep.
Ashley Gearhart was a passionate competitor and loved by many in the industry. She was also the owner of Strength Inside Out – a fitness training and planning service whose goal was to help individuals not only reach physical fitness goals but also use fitness to help build stronger mental health and wellness.
Gearhart’s sister, Aubree Rhodes, announced the passing on her official Facebook page stating:
“I’ve been absolutely dreading sharing this terrible news! But my oldest sister Ashley passed away Saturday morning. We’ve been taking our time wrapping our heads around everything and hope everyone can respect we’re not wanting to talk at this time! Thank you to everyone who has shared their condolences for us. We just ask to keep our whole family in your prayers especially my niece and nephew!”
On February 2nd, 2022 – Gearhart’s sister published another post on Facebook that seemed to bring a few more details to light. Though she also admits that the family is still seeking further answers as to the cause of her passing:
“I’m so glad that my sister got to spend the last week with me and my family doing something she love to do(helping others)! She had the biggest heart, a smile that was so contagious, and just down to earth! We still don’t have all the answers we need/want but we know she was in no pain and because of that I feel at ease! We love and miss you so much already!!
Thank you for loving us! We never doubted your love cuz you showed it!! Thank you god for the time you aloud us to have with her
We know very little about the details of Ashley Gearhart’s passing – but the news comes after a very tragic year for the sport of bodybuilding in 2021. Many fans and athletes in the sport have spoken out about improving support for athletes in pro and amateur bodybuilding leagues.
The entire team at Generation Iron would like to send condolences to friend and family of Ashley Gearhart during this difficult time. Not only was she a pro bodybuilder rising through the league in Women’s Physique. She was also a woman with family and friends who loved her dearly.
This story is still developing, Generation Iron will continue to update as more information becomes available. Make sure to stick around the Generation Iron Fitness Network for more news and updates on all things bodybuilding, strength sports, and fitness.
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