A Navy veteran and former Mr. Olympia bodybuilder died at 40 – just weeks after telling his legion of fans to “stop taking life for granted” in a now-eerie social media post.
Trinidad and Tobago native Dwayne Quamina died suddenly on Sunday, days after finishing sixth at this year’s Atlanta Pro event, the Trinidad Express reported.
A cause of death has not yet been revealed.
The muscleman, who lived in California, served in the Navy for over a decade before turning to bodybuilding in 2016.
“As a veteran, when I got out, the sense of brotherhood is often missed,” he said at a bench press event in El Centro last year.
The athlete, known as “King Q,” competed in the 212-pound bodybuilding division and won the lightweight title at the 2016 NPC USA Championships and 2017 Europa Phoenix Pro event.
Quamina also competed in the 2018 Mr Olympia tournament, where he finished 10th. He stepped away from the sport before making his comeback last year – finishing third at the Chicago Pro event.
Quamina, who leaves behind his wife, Leah, and their children, said he was “very happy with [the] package” he brought to the Atlanta event, which turned out to be the last before his death.
He was also an online coach, offering motivational tips to his 100,000 social media followers.
“Stop taking life for granted go all the way and have zero regrets when it’s all over!!” he wrote on Instagram on July 28.
“Stop negotiating with your potential!” he said in another tip. “Some of the most powerful words I’ve ever heard.”
“Who do you want to become? Once you figure that out all that’s left is to go out and become,” he captioned a video of himself working out in the gym.
Quamina’s rivals have led the touching tributes to the strongman.
“We shared some awesome memories both on and off the stage,” bodybuilder Shaun Clarida wrote.
“It’s absolutely tragic. We competed together just a week ago at the Atlanta Pro. It’s hard to believe he’s gone,” muscleman Karol Małecki Ale Lekkie said.
“Dwayne Quamina was so much more than a name—he was a devoted father, a loving husband, a loyal friend, a proud veteran, and a fitness champion who inspired those around him through his strength, dedication, and determination,” his pal Keri Valdez said.
“Dwayne was a loving yet fierce man, someone who protected and provided for his family while uplifting others with his presence, kindness, and unwavering spirit. His loss has left an unimaginable void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.”
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