José Antonio “Jocha” Hernández Torres, a former Mr. Universe and one of Spain’s most accomplished bodybuilders, has passed away at the age of 57.
The bodybuilding world is mourning the loss of José Antonio Hernández Torres, who passed away at the age of 57 in Tenerife, Spain. Hernández built a decorated career that spanned more than four decades, earning recognition as a six-time Spanish bodybuilding champion, 2004 Mr. Universe, and Overall Champion of the Netherlands, while also enjoying success as a Spanish boxing champion. Spanish media and local officials confirmed his passing on July 6.
At the time of publication, no official cause of death has been announced. According to multiple reports, his funeral was scheduled to take place on Monday.
Bodybuilding Community Pays Tribute to “Jocha”
The news prompted an outpouring of tributes from athletes, friends, and organizations across Spain.
A statement from the La Verdellada neighborhood association, where Hernández was a well-known figure, remembered him as the area’s most internationally decorated athlete:
“With over 40 years’ experience in sport, as well as his entrepreneurial endeavours with his famous gym, we have lost the most internationally decorated sportsman in the history of La Verdellada-Barrio Nuevo.”
The Spanish Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (IFBB Spain) also shared its condolences, writing:
“We share the grief of Jocha’s family and friends. Rest in peace, friend.”
Former competitor and police officer Alejandro Mena, who stood beside Hernández at the 1989 Spanish Championships, reflected on their friendship:
“Beyond the results, I will always remember him as a wonderful person, an excellent friend and a role model for all of us who love bodybuilding. His humility, camaraderie and passion for this sport left an indelible mark on all of us.”
Meanwhile, strongman José María García described Hernández as “A legend of our sport.”
He added that Hernández was among the first Spanish bodybuilders to compete alongside the world’s elite during the 1980s, helping raise Spain’s profile on the international stage.
A Career That Helped Shape Spanish Bodybuilding
Hernández became one of the Canary Islands’ most recognizable bodybuilding figures through a career that stretched across more than 40 years.
Among his most notable accomplishments were:
- 2004 Mr. Universe
- Six-time Spanish bodybuilding champion
- Overall Champion of the Netherlands
- Spanish boxing champion
- Founder of the well-known Jocha Fitness Gym in Tenerife
Beyond competition, Hernández spent decades coaching athletes and promoting fitness through his gym, making him a respected figure within Spain’s bodybuilding community long after his competitive career ended.
Generation Iron’s Thoughts
José Antonio “Jocha” Hernández Torres leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond trophies. From representing Spain on the international bodybuilding stage to mentoring generations of athletes through his gym, he helped grow the sport during an important era for Spanish bodybuilding.
Generation Iron extends its condolences to Hernández’s family, friends, and everyone whose lives he impacted throughout his career.
