Bodybuilder Rich Piana Autopsy Rules Cause of Death

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Bodybuilder Rich Piana Autopsy Rules Cause of Death

Let us delve into the life and legacy of Rich Piana, the well-known bodybuilder, entrepreneur, and YouTube personality. In this article, we will talk about who he was, his great achievements, and the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise.

Who Was Rich Piana?

Rich Piana, born on September 26, 1970, in Glendale, California, was a towering figure in the bodybuilding world. His journey began at a young age, influenced by his mother’s dedication to bodybuilding contests.

By the time he was 11, he was already lifting weights, and at 18, he embarked on a path that would shape his life: bodybuilding and anabolic steroid use.

Bodybuilding Achievements

Piana’s dedication to bodybuilding led him to numerous victories. Here are some highlights:

  1. Mr. Teen California: In 1989, he clinched the NPC Mr. Teen California title.
  2.  NPC Mr. California: In 1998, he secured the prestigious NPC Mr. California title.
  3.  Other NPC Competitions: Throughout his career, he won NPC competitions in 2003 and 2009.

Steroid Use and Candid Conversations

Piana was candid about his use of anabolic steroids and hormones. He openly discussed their impact on bodybuilding and the associated risks. His YouTube channel became a platform for sharing insights, motivational talks, and glimpses into his daily life.

He often spoke about the mindset of “the 5%,” referring to those who relentlessly pursue their goals.

The Mysterious Circumstances of His Death

Bodybuilding can be risky, even though it looks impressive. Some bodybuilders want to achieve a super-ripped physique, but they might harm themselves in the process. Rich Piana, a famous bodybuilder, used substances to build his massive muscles. Unfortunately, this led to health problems, and he passed away in 2017. His heart and liver were large due to years of substance use.

Tragically, on August 25, 2017, at the age of 46, Piana collapsed and slipped into a coma. After two weeks of battling for his life, he passed away. His autopsy report revealed some startling findings:

  • Heart and Liver: Both his heart and liver weighed twice the average amount for an adult male.
  •  Atherosclerotic Disease: The report noted “mild atherosclerotic disease.”

However, the cause and manner of his death remained inconclusive due to the hospital’s disposal of all toxicology specimens. This led to conspiracy theories and speculation about a possible cover-up.

Joe Rogan’s thoughts on the bodybuilder who took “ungodly amounts of steroids”

Rogan introduced a bodybuilder to his guest, Portnoy. The bodybuilder had passed away. Even though he had stopped competing professionally, he still wanted to get bigger. Unfortunately, he died young because he took very large amounts of steroids. Rogan showed a picture of the bodybuilder, Rich Piana, to his guest.

Piana had used steroids for almost 30 years and knew it could be harmful. His mom was also a bodybuilder, so he got into the sport when he was just 11 years old. By the time he was 18, he was already using performance-enhancing drugs.” 

Joe Rogan had a similar opinion about Liver King

Piana, who was famous on the internet, did not usually compete in bodybuilding contests. Even though he won some local competitions, his main goal was to gain fame online. Joe Rogan, a well-known commentator, criticized this trend of people doing things just for internet attention.

Joe Rogan and Piana
Joe Rogan and Piana

Joe Rogan also talked about another social media star named Brian Johnson, also known as the ‘Liver King’. Liver King promoted a diet of raw meat, especially raw liver, every day. In one of Joe Rogan’s podcast episodes, he and neuroscientist Andrew Huberman doubted Johnson’s claim of being a natural bodybuilder. Later, in 2022, it was revealed that Johnson used various substances to enhance his physique regularly.

The Liver King was famous online for being extremely muscular. Many social media influencers focus on looking super fit or shredded as part of their business.

In today’s world, where instant fame matters, people sometimes follow harmful practices without thinking about the long-term consequences. Sports fans should be cautious about believing everything they see online. 

Legacy and Final Resting Place

Rich Piana’s legacy lives on in the weightlifting community. His larger-than-life personality, honesty about steroid use, and commitment to bodybuilding continue to inspire many. He was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills, California.

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People also ask

How much was Rich Piana worth when he died?

Rich Piana’s net worth was estimated to be approximately $4 million when he passed away in August 2017. His financial legacy reflected his success in the bodybuilding industry and his significant following on social media platforms.

How much did Rich Piana weigh at his heaviest?

At the peak of his bodybuilding career, Rich Piana weighed an impressive 290 lbs with biceps measuring 23.5 inches around. His massive physique left an indelible mark on the bodybuilding community.

Did Rich Piana ever win Olympia?

Despite his remarkable achievements in various bodybuilding competitions, Rich Piana never secured an Olympia title. He did, however, win the NPC Mr. California and the 2009 Sacramento Pro competitions. 

His impact extended beyond the stage as he became a social media sensation, sharing insights into bodybuilding, steroid use, and his larger-than-life personality.