Insulin related deaths appear to be growing more common in the fitness and bodybuilding community.
Bodybuilder and aspiring pro-wrestler Ghent Wakefield was found dead at home in Tunstall, Staffs in December last year when he failed to respond to calls.
According to The Sun, while medics had been unable to establish an exact cause of death the prominent theory is that Ghent’s use of insulin to improve his bodybuilding could have proved fatal.
The deceased’s father, David Wakefield, of Stafford, said Ghent had ruptured his biceps around five years ago while wrestling, and his pro dreams were ruined.
David told the inquest: “He got caught on the ropes and tore the ligaments.” He was advised by the hospital they would knit back together, but they never did.
He had alleged if his injury had been treated correctly he would have fully recovered, and went on to sue the NHS.
“He did carry on after the injury, but was not able to build the biceps up and get the figure he wanted. He couldn’t carry on wrestling.”
Friend Chris Hoole said, “Before the injury, he’d received an offer to wrestle in America. He always thought he was destined for some level of greatness – and it was taken away from him.”
The inquest also heard how Ghent received a “substantial” payout following his complaint. Friends told how he was investing the money, planning for his future and completing an HGV driving course.
Ghent used steroids and insulin to boost his muscle mass and improve his work rate in the gym.
Ghent’s body was found at home when a woman he had been dating became concerned when he stopped replying to her messages.
A friend put a note through his door asking for one of Ghent’s housemates to check on him.
Eventually, a neighbor contacted the landlord who gained access to his room where they found his body.
North Staffordshire coroner Ian Smith delivered an open conclusion. He said:
“We don’t have a cause of death.
“I can’t say it was drugs or natural causes – it would be wrong to pick one. I think the strongest possibility is the abuse of insulin, but we will never know for sure.”
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
