And even grimmer component of Ray Mentzer's life was the fact that he died tragically only two days after the unexpected death of his famous brother. Click Here for the interview we did with Mike Mentzer just before he died. He would also become a bodybuilding legend for his 20+ inch arms and the ability to squat in excess of 900lbs for 2 repetitions. He was found dead in his apartment, due to heart complications, by his younger brother and fellow bodybuilder Ray Mentzer. Monday morning, June 11, 2001, an e-mail was sent to us saying that Mike Mentzer has passed away June 9th. Ray, his brother, who is also suffering from illnesses, found him. To compound the loss of Mike, on June 11th, at approximately 9:00 PM, Ray died in his sleep. Ray suffered from kidney failure caused by Berger's Disease. The day before, both he and brother Ray were working on a fitness DVD titled HIT. 1975 IFBB Mr. America 3rd (Medium) But Mike wouldnt listen. Think about it. We will update Ray Mentzer's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible. Despite the occasional setback, Mike began making a name for himself, and was once again, back on the circuit. Later, as his bodybuilding progressed, he would move to take between4-7 days rest in between workouts. Dunn joined The Times in 1986 as a suburban reporter in the San Gabriel Valley and later moved to the Metro section, where he participated in coverage of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and the 1992 Los Angeles riots. By the age of 23, Ray was a full-time competitor. WebA native of Germantown, Pennsylvania, he died of heart failure in Rolling Hills, California at the age of forty-nine. Once he reached that point, Ray would h Nice article, but there is a huge mistake in the compilation of Mike Mentzers bodybuilding achievements segment (despite Rudolpfh Plizetskaias attempt to rectify it) ; in 1978, Mentzer won the IFBB Mr. Universe in Acapulco, Mexico with the first and only perfect 300 score. And would these competitors have lived much longer without using them? Your email address will not be published. United States. RIP. Once he reached that point, Ray would have his training partner help him do another 2-3 forced reps, controlling the weight with slow and perfect form. * Another ex-Flynt bodyguard. Joe Weider rehired Mike in the fall of that year, but after six months, Mentzer left to assume the editorship of Workout, a newly launched magazine. We hadnt spoken for over five years. Ray Mentzers income source is mostly from being a successful . He said Lowe and Greenberger did not know that Mentzer and Marti intended to kill Radin. He is not dating anyone. Compiled by Times researcher Michael Meyers. Death record, obituary, funeral notice and information about the deceased person. . I saw no problem for me because I was convinced I was focused enough and that my use was channeled in a positive direction. [Mike had taken a three year course, commencing in 1974, at the University of Mayland, with the eventual goal of being a psychiatrist , but he dropped out in 1977 disillusioned with the subject. Both brothers had a history of health problems, including heart problems. The brash and ambitious Radin had made his name in New York by producing a series of successful vaudeville revivals and police union benefits. Greatest Physiques is the number 1 destination for the best looking bodies on the planet. Fame? He wrote that he was falling short of top spot so decided to give it up. Burt On Saturday June 9, 2001 after a long day he wrapped filming of the DVD he so wanted to finish. Ray's brother, Mike Mentzer won the rival IFBB Mr. America in 1976 during Ray's Junior title. His theories and writings continue to be a source for debate, and his books and articles remain popular (see www.mikementzer.com). 1977 IFBB Mr. Universe 2nd (HW) He was at his competitive peak in his early-30s, when "mass monsters" dominated bodybuilding, and he claimed to eat up to seven pounds of red meat per day at his biggest. Your email address will not be published. Rather than blaming others, he realized it was he was the one out ofcontrol, not everybody and everything else. He dies on June 12, 2001 which was only two days after the passing of his legendary brother. Your email address will not be published. Mike wouldnt pick up a weight until 1975, but when he finally did, Mikecame back with full force. After a stint at the New York Times, Dunn returned to Los Angeles in 1998 as a reporter and then editor in The Times Business section. Freeze,The Governator,and to many of his fans justArnie. Mike being Mike, stayed up late to work on the scripts. He just scratched the surface with that physique. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. But you watch. The call was answered by a sheriffs deputy, who told Rice that Raymond Mentzers body had been found a short time earlier. His progress over the next few years was onward and upward. At 48 years old, Ray Mentzer height not available right now. After the autopsy, it turned out that the cause of death was a heart attack, a large dose of anesthetic was found in the man's body, and it contributed to the cardiac arrest. At this point, most of the bodybuilding community turnedits back on Mike. It was early May of 2001, when out of the blue I received a phone call in FLEXs LA office from Mike Mentzer. There was a strain and tension in the air all the way through. I just have to comment that Burt should get a life and realize that if he was half the man Mike was hed be something! However, not long after closing the curtains on his bodybuilding career, Ray started having kidney problems. Professional bodybuilder, author, entrepreneur, and philosopher. But today, if you walk into most weight rooms you're likely to be standing around a handful of AAS users, whether they look the part or not. * Ex-girlfriend of movie producer Robert Evans. Mike Mentzer died on Sunday, June 10th, 2001. The Mike Mentzer that passed away is the one that he will always be remembered as. Anyway in that May 2001 conversation Mike acted like the previous five years had never happened and that we were continuing as if we had spoken a week earlier. Mike understood that an individual had individual needs, but inside, we all worked the same. 1971 Mr. Lancaster 1st They also had the same time-lapse conversation with him, and he even came up to the office and had lunch with the Master Blaster. Web- Safety Protection System Analysis / Common Cause Failures . Famed for his fracas with Arnold Schwarzenegger at the 1980 Olympia to hisHeavy Duty training style. The next morning he discovered Mike dead in bed, apparently of a heart attack. Mentzer was also dealing with the fallout caused by the ending of his near decade relationship with Cathy Gelfo. Almost miraculously, within a few days, he was establishing his personal-training business at Gold's Gym, Venice. Probiotics for gut health and things like avacados really help you max out feeling good for max. Ashley Dunn is the former weekend editor at the Los Angeles Times. I was using a lot of amphetamines to make me productive. While steroids, amphetamines, smoking, etc. Date of death. In 1978, he would win the IFBB Mr. USA title and then the AAU Mr. America competition in 1979. "Editing Workout was one of the most enjoyable things I've ever done," Mike claims. Great profile! Hoe to get them. Ultimately, Rays life was one full of success but also tragedy. Death . Here's where they're hiding. Then he found he was actually progressing better than before. Edit: two DAYS not years, my b WebNationality: American. * Convicted of first-degree murder with special circumstances, subject to the death penalty. Mike Mentzer was born in Pennsylvania. The defense attorneys expressed dissatisfaction with some of Superior Court Judge Curtis Rappes bench rulings, and indicated that appeals are likely. ", As 1980 unfolded, however, Mike had no inkling that his competitive career was hurtling toward its conclusion. Mike Matarazzo, pro bodybuilder. Then, in a shocking development, Ray Mentzer was found dead this morning, June 12. Joe Weider rehired Mike in the fall of that year, but after six months, Mentzer left to assume the editorship of. Thanks for the info, weve now added Ayn Rand into Mikes idols and influences section. Mike bodybuilding idol from a young age was Bill Pearl. Little men like him need to knock the others to make themselves feel good cause they cant do it on their own!!! William Mentzer, 42, and Alex Marti, 30, were convicted of first-degree murder. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. Ray died just two days after discovering his brother Mike Mentzer's dead body in the very same apartment due to heart failure. Rice Mortuary in Torrance. It came to a similar conclusion: Steroid use can be a valid and significant factor in heart-related death. You'll be seeing more and more serious heart problems, and worse, once these guys hit 40." Soon after in another magazine he took occasional pot shots at me. that is what I am interested in. Greatest Physiques is the number 1 destination for the best looking bodies on the planet. By the 45th minute mark, he was completely exhausted and his muscles were ready for recovery. He also did stutter reps and slow negatives. Los Angeles County sheriffs investigators had all but ended their investigation of Radins murder, but a break came in 1987 when they met William Rider, the brother-in-law and onetime security chief for Larry Flynt, publisher of Hustler magazine. Mike Mentzer was born on the 15th of November, 1951. However, things didn't progress the way Mike had hoped, and after six months, he and Jones severed their business relationship. To compound the loss of Mike, on June 11th, at approximately 9:00 PM, Ray died in his sleep. In the 50+ years since his article, plenty of bodybuilders have misused or abused steroids and other PEDs and have paid the ultimate price: These bodybuilders are thankfully still alive at the time of this writing, but have suffered major health issues. In 1983, he continued to train and ended growing to 250lbs on his very small frame. Died from multiple organ failure in 1996, age 32. Ray suffered from kidney failure caused by Berger's Disease. We cover professional athletes, models and even social media stars to bring you the very best, up to date information in our profiles. At least do light reps a couple of those days for arms, delts, lats, upper legs, abs. During one of these squat gatherings, Ray achieved an astonishing feat lifting a 900-lbs squat for 2 reps. Back in the day, many bodybuilders believed that a high-protein diet was the number one key to building muscle. Check out our top rated fat burners to find out what actually works. Greenberger, Mentzer, Marti and Lowe were arrested in 1988--five years after Radins body was found by a beekeeper in a desolate canyon 65 miles north of Los Angeles. He described this feeling as being at deaths door. Check out our guide to protein-rich foods to help you on your way - a completely new fitness level is just around the corner. There was a strain and tension in the air all the way through.. What to take. John understands quite a bit about the power of ideas and the way they work in the mind. . Physical wear and tear such as collisions in contact sports or recreational drug use are said to be greater contributing factors. Forced negatives did the same. This was met with anger from many contestants, including Mentzer. ", Even though he felt he was at his best and had no knowledge of the controversy to come, Mike told me in 1993 that he had made up his mind that the 1980 Mr. Olympia would be his last contest: Trying to be the best built man in the world demands total seriousness, but in essence the seriousness and the ambition involved is a little silly., To find out what went down at the 1980 Mr. Olympia including the near fist fight between Mentzer and Schwarzenegger click on http://www.musculardevelopment.com/team-md-blogs/the-mcgough-report/11982-mentzer-vs-arnie.html#.U47ZXCh93oD, In the wake of his fifth place finish at 1980 Mr. Olympia contest, Mike Mentzer's career began to fragment. It was at that event that Mikewould would be introduced toArthur Jones. The mortician said that Raymond Mentzer, who suffered from kidney problems and had been undergoing dialysis treatments, appeared very shaken by his brothers 2023 Greatest Physiques. The two brothers dying within 48 hours of each other shocked the bodybuilding world. For Ray, his brother's death was a great tragedy. As for his protein sources, they included chicken, beef, and high-quality dairy. 1979 IFBB Canada Pro Cup 2nd Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Ray Mentzer. Anyhow, thats what I recall him writing in the Weider mag. However, given the suspicious circumstances of the deaths of two brothers dying within two days of each other, the remains of both Mike and Ray have been sent to the coroner's office in order to determine cause of death. Coming from a well-educated home, Mikesfather would regularly test and encouragehis academic knowledge using various rewards, including cash to ensure he excelled. Mikes form would be kept absolutely perfect. The weight would be so heavy that by the 9th rep, Ray would reach failure. It was Ayn who inspired Mike to think outside of the box when it came to training, and living life to his own accord. Id never dreamed theyd end up like they were, but Mike and Ray are genetic freaks., Ray Mentzer was one of the bodybuilding greats of his era. However,two people remained and supported him; a senior writer for Flex magazine called John Little, and Mikesex-girlfriend Julie McNew. Its been so many years and of course, you lose hope. He was a millionaire by 20 and lived lavishly in a mansion on Long Island. The two moved in together in an apartment, which saw them grow closer over the following months. Ray is one of the strongest bodybuilders I have ever seen in my life and Mike is equally as strong.. The results suggest that heavy steroid users are more likely to have irregular heart function and a higher mortality rate compared to natural lifters. Although Greenberger conceded she left with Radin for dinner in the same limousine, she said Mentzer told her to get out of the car. Matarazzo's public callout of the negative effects of drug use may sound far fetched to some, but there's anecdotal and scientific evidence to support his belief. As Mike wrestled with his demons, the bodybuilding community, to its discredit, took a detached stance toward his circumstances. The day before, both he and brother Ray were working on a fitness DVD titled HIT. Ray, his brother, who is also suffering from illnesses, found him. Rather than wallow in the dark aspects of Ray's death, it would be better to look towards his interesting life instead. The verdicts were sealed until Monday. The jury, which had been deliberating since July 10, reached their decisions Friday. Those who misuse AAS are those who'd get results from healthy eating and lifting. Till then hell just be the proverbial asshole you get wherever you go! Can you boost GH naturally? "Julie, even though our relationship had ended, was very supportive, emotionally and financially, over that whole five-year period," Mike states. Mike battled his demons for 5 years and was admitted to hospital on several occasions. By the morning of the contest he had recovered. CLICK HERE! Later that day, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was believed to be retired, announced his intentions to compete at the event. His early use of amphetamines to make him productive, the passing of his father and the gradual rejection of the bodybuilding community were all major contributing factors to his decline. In the midst of the chaos that day, Ray completely forgot that he needed to turn up for his kidney dialysis treatment. I wanted the magazine to be the absolute best I could make it, and I worked harder than I'd worked in my entire life. Although he wasnt stage-level-ripped, Rays gigantic and muscular frame was a sight to be seen. However, Mike had not competed for 21 years and Ray for 19 years. He enjoyed the work, but he relied upon amphetamines to meet deadlines, on occasion staying awake for two or three days straight. Known for his feats at the 1978 IFBB Mr. USA and 1979s, Ray was a sight to be seen during his prime. Professional athletes seeking every possible advantage and recovery method shouldn't surprise us, even when it's directly prohibited by their sport's rules and the law. The combination of being emotionally distraught, which can cause an individual to lose conceptual control, exacerbated by my use of amphetamines did something to my emotional core that led me to perform irrational acts that I thought were rational. Ray Menzer was born in August 1953, in Pennsylvania, USA. WebA: Mike Mentzer's cause of death was heart complications. The jury also found that Mentzer and Marti killed Radin for financial gain during a kidnaping--special circumstances that open the possibility of death in the gas chamber for both men. While initially inspired by Bill Pearl, Mikes whole training philosophy was based on the work of Arthur Jones and HIT. Another great influencer of Mikes was a Russian-American novelist, philosopher, and play writer namedAyn Rand. "I looked my best, but I didn't feel at my best. However, Mentzer was just getting warmed up. Required fields are marked *. It may be more accurate to say steroids don't kill people, abusing steroids kills people. Would you accept this deal? But in the years prior to his drastic physical decline, Matarazzo was one of the few pros who talked openly about what he felt was the underlying cause the level of anabolic steroids and related drugs necessary to become a top-ranked pro. State prison correction officers brutally pummeled an inmate serving a life sentence for the murder of a Suffolk County mom, driving him to suicide, a disturbing new lawsuit charged Monday. In my opinion Mr. Mentzer may have went a bit beyond then rested too long, especially up to 7 days. The body of Mike Mentzer, age 49, was discovered by his brother Ray on Sunday, June 10th, at the home they shared together in the vincinity of the Rolling Hills Estates area of Los Angeles. Later that night at the brothers apartment, despite Ray telling him he should turn in, Mike continued to work on the DVDs script. During a check-up, Mike discovered that he had severe heart issues, which meant that the kidney transplant was off the table. Within a few days of leaving thehospital, he approachedGolds Gym, Venice, and convinced them to let him start up as a personal trainer. Data was collected from 1985 to 2011 and demonstrated that wrestlers were three to four times more likely than the general population to die between 30 and 50 years old. It's probably even more true that other bodybuilding-related drugs bring higher risks than anabolic steroids. Radins sister, Kate, sat quietly in the courtroom as the verdicts were read. Rider told them that Mentzer and Marti had admitted during a poker game that they killed Radin. Two days later, Ray died from complications from his long battle with Berger's disease. At one time, training for just six weeks, he squatted 902 pounds for 2 repetitions. Julie, even though our relationship had ended, was very supportive, emotionally and financially, over that whole five-year period, Mike states. ", Two days before the 1980 Mr. Olympia being staged in Sydney, Australia, Mike had that same "death's door feeling," which again confined him to bed for a whole day. To gain further insight into Mikes 2001 death, it is necessary to turn the clock back 21 years. * November, 1990: Trial begins for the four defendants. If you have any questions about Ray Mentzer's training, diet, etc. This is an opinion carried by many bodybuilders today. One of the greatest of all time in my opinion. In a career that spanned over three decades, he was one of bodybuildings most Id never dreamed theyd end up like they were, but Mike and Ray are genetic freaks. The Cotton Club project began after Greenberger introduced Radin to Hollywood filmmaker Robert Evans, who was then her boyfriend. And yet, there were still occasions when the demons visited. Ray was also a successful bodybuilder, winning the USA tall class title in 1978 and the AAU Mr. America overall in 1979. He is a graduate of UC Berkeley with a degree in English. WebThe cause of Mike Mentzer's death was not disclosed, pending a coroner's investigation. Arnold didnt even like cardio you know, probably because he didnt quite like a strict regimen diet. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease. Tragically, Ray died just 2 days later, after missing his kidney dialysis treatment. Almost unbelievably on going to the apartment Joanne found Ray had passed away. Mike Mentzer won the Mr. Universe title in 1978 and the heavyweight division of the Mr. Olympia contest in 1979. During this period, Ray was able to grow his physique by leaps and bounds. Check out our guide to protein-rich foods to help you on your way - a completely new fitness level is just around the corner. "It lasted 18 months, and every day of that period I had the same commitment and ambition I'd had in preparing for the 1980 Mr. Olympia. Hed contracted Bergers Disease. The younger Mentzer was devastated as he went about making funeral arrangements. He left Weider publications, and by 1982, his annual income "Had gone from $200,000 a year to zero.". Rays intense training was often followed by 3-4 days of complete rest. There were two notable, and noble, exceptions: ex-girlfriend Julie McNew and John Little, senior writer for FLEX. In 1978, Ray became the IFBB Mr. USA champion. They're just average lifters wanting to look better. * Also ex-bodyguard for Flynt. All rights reserved. His career and 5th place at the 1980 Mr. Olympia, which prompted his retirement, is well documented. It was time to 'Go back to what you know, Mike Mentzer!'". It was time to move on. And it's not always the biggest guys or only the top-ranking pros who struggle, but their drug use is consistent enough to draw some conclusions. Atty. Mike won the rival IFBB Mr America in 1976. There was no obviously apparent cause of death, but medical records indicate that he had a history of heart problems. His head was peppered with gunshot wounds. Ray went to bed. Theyd send me little pictures of themselves and all types of stuff. The doctors put him on a kidney dialysis treatment soon after, along with putting him on a kidney transplant waiting list. Mike was 49 and Ray was 47. This would require a weight that would take you to failure in between 6 and 9 reps. Then, once you hit failure, keep going. rhyth. The weight would be so heavy that by the 9th rep, Ray would reach failure. BOTH were winners of the coveted Mr. America title. He was called as a witness during the preliminary hearing but refused to testify, claiming 5th Amendment protection against self-incrimination. On June 9th, 2001, Ray and Mike were working on their new training DVD calledHIT. At only 23, he captured both the Junior Mr. America title and the IFBB Mr. America championship. Dont make the same mistake.. Arnold Schwarzenegger - He's been named the Austrian Oak, The Terminator,John Matrix, Mr. Not only is he knownas one of the greatest bodybuilders in history, but also as an action movie star, and an American politician. It just didnt feel like a normal contest; no one was being their usual self. But even non-traditional sports like cricket, NASCAR, cycling, and pro-wrestling "entertainment" sports have all made headlines with various reports of PED use. How to take thm, [] how about Mike Mentzer, who was around 215 lbs in this photo; would your 215 lbs look like Mike []. To care for him, Mikemoved in with Ray, and the two grew closer over the following years. To get back in the action, Mike entered1975 IFBB Mr. America to see where he stood. In 1971, Mikewon his first competition, the Mr. Lancaster at the age of 18. This may have been a bad move, as 2 years after the blacklisting, Mikehad virtually no income. However, year also marked his worstdefeat; 10th place at the AAU Mr. America. He had suffered a heart attack in his sleep. In 1982, after years of competing, Mike decided to step down from his competitive career and focus on new endeavors. "I was still using amphetamines, and that use, in association with the series of traumas, did something to my mind that I'm fairly clear about today, although these things are very complex. Arnold was also set to take part in a bodybuilding video with the two brothers but death came too quickly for this to happen. Champion bodybuilders are known only to the relatively-small community who follow this fringe sport. A sad day for bodybuildingMike and Ray Mentzer Dead. He passed away less than 48 hours after Mike had died, leaving the bodybuilding world shrouded in black. Mikes typical training split would look something like this: Dont underestimate the value of a well-balanced diet. Performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) is the term the public associates with anabolic steroids, even though it's a general category that can include anything from insulin to EPO, a blood "doping" endurance booster, and various non-steroid stimulants. Two days before the 1980 Olympia tookplace, Mike was revisited by thedeaths door feeling. Nevertheless, Mike moved in with Ray so that he could look after his brother better. As Bill Pettis put it; Ray is one of the strongest bodybuilders I have ever seen in my life.. A typical excerpt from Mike's diary during that period reads as follows. He would talk with me at length, and I remember those conversations with fondness, which causes me to think fondly of John Little. how to use them. Centerburg, Knox County, Ohio 43011 . It was the last time Radin was seen alive. After a day of shooting, Ray turned Lowe claimed that Greenberger and Evans paid for a contract hit against Radin.