Josh Crane, a competitive bodybuilder and Navy Veteran, dies rescuing two rafters from drowning.
Josh Crane, an NPC bodybuilder and Navy veteran was found dead downstream after sacrificing his life to save two rafters. Crane most recently competed in the 2022 Governor’s Cup. He was known for his desire to “do anything” to help those in need. He was 30 years old.
ABC10 reported on July 31st about the tragic news. Josh Crane acted immediately to help two rafters who were in need along the American River on Friday. Sadly, he did not make it out of the water after saving the two individuals.
Josh Crane was known for wanting to help people. Crane’s sister spoke with ABC10:
“My brother was a humble guy and anybody who knew him knew he had the biggest heart ever imaginable. He would do anything, He’d give you the shirt off his back and just be there,” said Jessica Crane, sister of Joshua Crane. “That’s something that I knew that he would do. No matter no matter what.”
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Josh Crane’s family confirmed that Crane had organized a group of UC Davis students to go tubing on the American river. It was there that two of the students had gotten stuck near some rapids. The two individuals were stuck in tubes, while Crane was using a paddleboard. So he decided to try and help rescue them from the rapids. Crane reportedly jumped off of his paddleboard without hesitation and saved them.
“There were two females that were stuck on tubes and my brother was on a paddleboard and they were asking for help,” Josh Crane’s sister stated. “So he jumped off his paddleboard, like he would (to) help anybody, and no hesitation, no questions asked, jumped off his paddleboard and jumped in the water and got them out.”
Sadly, after rescuing the two students, Josh Crane did not make it out of the river. He was later found downstream from the San Juan Rapids, dead.
Beyond bodybuilding, Josh Crane was studying to become a doctor and was expecting to graduate in spring of 2023. As a Navy Veteran, Crane’s job took him all over the world including Camp Pendleton and as far as Japan. Crane joined the military right out of high school.
“Every minute spent with him was the best smiles and the best time, and he was my best friend, my biggest motivator, my hero… and he proved that in everything that he did,” Jessica said.
Generation Iron sends condolences to friends and family during this difficult time. This story is still developing and will be updated as more information becomes available. For more news and updates – make sure to stay tuned to the Generation Iron Fitness Network.
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