'THE BIGGEST HEART'
BODYBUILDING star Ashley Gearhart died in her sleep, her family said.
The athlete passed away without "pain" on January 29, according to a statement posted online by her younger sister.
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Gearhart's cause of death remains unknown, Fitness Volt reports.
The bodybuilder earned her pro card in 2018 and had competed in the industry for 10 years.
She was the owner of the fitness service Strength Inside Out.
Her sister Aubree Rhodes confirmed the athlete's death on January 31.
She said: "We’ve been taking our time wrapping our heads around everything and hope everyone can respect we’re not wanting to talk at this time! Thank you to everyone who has shared their condolences for us."
In a second post published days later, the sibling added: "She had the biggest heart, a smile that was so contagious, and just down to earth!
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"We still don’t have all the answers we need/want but we know she was in no pain, and because of that I feel at ease!"
Dozens of tributes have been paid under Gearheart's final Facebook post as friends have been left heartbroken.
One said: "Rest in peace my dear Ashley."
Another commented: "Gone too soon."
Gearhart's death came just days before the passing of athlete Tom Prince.
The athlete, who reportedly battled cancer, died with his wife by his side on February 5.
Prince earned his pro card following the 1997 NPC National Championships before making his debut for the International Federation of BodyBuilding and Fitness promotion in 1999.
He earned a bronze medal at the 2001 Night of Champions event.
But, the star was forced to retire in 2002 due to kidney issues that were caused by a genetic blood condition.
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