IFBB Pro League Men’s Open bodybuilder Douglas Fruchey has died. He was 36 years old. Fruchey’s death was confirmed by his wife, Carli, and retired bodybuilder Brad Row in two separate Instagram posts. Rowe’s post can be seen below:
“Doug was a client, a peer, and a friend for almost a decade. He was a caring and humble human,” said Row. “Always seeking knowledge, always sharing his whenever he could, and always genuinely interested in how you were doing.”
Rowe shared that Fruchey had previously been reported missing. Multiple sources have shared that his body was found in his California apartment on June 15, 2024. No official time or cause of death has been confirmed by authorities, and there is no word on arrangements or services at the time of this article’s publication.
Daniel Fruchey’s Competitive Career
According to NPC News Online, Fruchey started competing in the amateur ranks in 2017. He earned his pro card at the 2020 NPC Worldwide Amateur Olympia in Orlando, FL. He competed in the pro ranks from 2021 to 2022. He did not compete in the 2023 season; his 2024 season status was unknown. His contest history is shown below:
- 2021 Tampa Pro — 11th place
- 2021 Texas Pro — 10th place
- 2022 Boston Pro — 9th place
- 2022 New York Pro — 9th place
- 2022 California Pro — 10th place
Fruchey also worked as an actor. His IMDB page credits him with roles in Babylon, Oliver Sacks: His Own Life, and Soft White Underbelly.
Fruchey was best known in the fitness industry through his work, sharing his knowledge on social media and YouTube, and frequently being featured on Mike O’Hearn’s channel as one of his training partners. O’Hearn shared comments about Fruchey in his own post:
“To my training partner of the last five years. You have been a blast, big Douglas Fruchey,” said O’Hearn. “From our crazy 3 a.m. workouts to our two-a-days getting ready for the movie Divinity. Thanks for the push and amazing deep conversations and discussions. Life is short; tomorrow is promised to no man.”
Fruchey is survived by his wife, Carli Fruchey, a Women’s Physique Pro. BarBend will continue to provide updates on this story as they become available.
Featured Image: @douglasfruchey on Instagram
