Legendary bodybuilder and NPC/IFBB Pro Judge Jerry Ward has passed away at the age of 46.
Bodybuilding promoter Gary Udit announced Ward’s passing on Instagram.
Sadly we lost a terrific friend today with the passing of Jerry Ward.
Jerry died suddenly last night. He was here in Pittsburgh commentating on the Live Stream of the NPC Teen, Collegiate and Masters Nationals.
In the NPC and IFBB PRO LEAGUE over the years Jerry was an excellent competitor, judge, expediter, head judge and PPV commentator.
His knowledge of the sport of Bodybuilding was unparalleled!
Jerry was liked and loved by everyone he came in contact with!
We are devastated at his passing.
According to reports, Ward died in his sleep after complaining of rib pain.
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There is currently no information available regarding the cause of death.
Legendary Bodybuilder Jerry Ward, Dead "Suddenly" at 46…
Thought he had "pulled a left rib"…
He was in Pittsburgh commentating on the Live Stream of the NPC Teen, Collegiate and Masters Nationals.
"His knowledge of the sport of Bodybuilding was unparalleled."
– The Sun uk
— Dr. James E. Olsson (@DrJamesOlsson) July 24, 2022
We mourn the sudden passing of Jerry Ward. Jerry was truly one of the most passionate people in all of bodybuilding. His energy and enthusiasm for the sport was unmatched.
We will miss his strong and straightforward opinions on all things bodybuilding.
RIP, Jerry Ward. pic.twitter.com/abgpYfIbqG
— RXMuscle.com (@RXMuscledotcom) July 23, 2022
Bodybuilder and NPC/IFBB Pro Judge Jerry Ward has suddenly passed away at 46 years old. Generation Iron sends condolences to friends and family during this difficult time. Full story here: https://t.co/IXjipgxYBQ#JerryWard #RIP #bodybuilding #GenerationIron pic.twitter.com/4pgeMOl3sZ
— GENERATION IRON (@GenerationIron) July 23, 2022
Fitness Volt reported:
Ward has been vocal about his love for bodybuilding and will be remembered for years to come for his unparalleled knowledge of the sport. The bodybuilder leaves behind his beloved wife, Erin Merritt. He recently served as a commentator for Udit’s 2022 NPC Teen, Collegiate, and Masters National in Pittsburgh, PA. Hours before passing, Ward even shared a video on his YouTube channel.
According to Rx Muscle’s Dave Palumbo, Ward was complaining to a friend that he thought he pulled a left rib. Palumbo said the suspected injury was caused after carrying luggage to where he was staying for the week while fulfilling his recent livestream duties.
Dave Palumbo added that Ward used a massage chair but thought the rib issue felt worse after. His friend Rich told him to get checked out by a physician, though Ward decided to sleep it off instead. After Rich texted Jerry reminding him to show up for the livestream duties on Saturday, promoter Gary Udit informed Rich that Ward had passed away.
Generation Iron noted Ward’s accomplishments:
Jerry Ward’s passion for bodybuilding started professionally in 1994 when he earned his personal trainer certification. Later in the early 2000s, Ward started work as a fitness model. He would later go on to not only compete in bodybuilding but also wrestling and even dabble in some acting in commercials and minor TV shows.
After his competitive career, Jerry Ward later gained attention and notoriety for his bodybuilding commentary on YouTube. Ward was known for his blunt and straightforward opinions. Not reluctant to speak his mind, Ward would often find himself in controversy for his outspoken opinions.
Generation Iron had previously sat down with Jerry Ward to discuss the modern state of bodybuilding. True to form, he was very outspoken about the dangers he saw in the sport – particularly when it came to drugs often used by athletes such as diuretics during contest prep.
Ward was a fierce critic against COVID-19 mandates.
“Very simple. DO NOT COMPLY! All mandates are ILLEGAL! Period. If you want to wear a mask or stay home that is totally cool. But NOBODY can be forced to wear a mask or shut down their business. BY LAW,” Ward said on Instagram last week.
“Get educated and pay attention to wording. There NEVER was a legal mandate. Ever. #weknowbetternow #foolusonce #neveragain,” he added.
Ward’s tragic passing is the latest death in a heartbreaking year for the bodybuilding community.
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