Masters O Winner Don Youngblood Dies !

[Tim Wescott]

This from IFBB athletes rep......Bob Chiceriello:

Masters Olympia Champ R.I.P
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sorry to report that DON YOUNGBLOOD has passed away in his home, apparently the cause of death being a massive heart attack.

Don stunned the bodybuilding world by beating the previously "unbeatable" Vince Taylor at the 2002 Masters O. *Don went on to forfill his lifelong dream of competing in that years Mr. Olympia later that same year.

Don just celebrated his 51st birthday April 7, and ran a very successful trucking business in his home state of Arkansas with his wife and children.

On behalf of all the IFBB pros, I wish to express our deepest sympathies to the Youngblood family. Don was a champion bodybuilder, but more importantly a devoted husband, father and grandfather...he will be missed.

Celebrate Don's life by visiting his website at www.donyoungblood.com

[Tim Wescott]

A nice shot of Don.




With Hans Hopstaken,who ironically enough has passed on also.

May he rest in peace.

[GerryT]

I remember breaking the news to Don about Hans' passing. Don was in the same shock as I was today when I heard this news. Don and Hans had become friends after meeting at the 01 Masters O.

Was lucky to meet Don once and he was one of the nicest guys you could know. Great athlete, but was grounded and devoted to his family and business.
We stayed in touch the last few years, and have one
of his T shirts from that Masters O he won.

Feel like I lost a friend and brother. He will be missed.
My sympathy goes out to his lovely wife, children, grandchildren, and all who knew him. Our loss of a great athlete and person is definitely Heaven's gain.

RIP, brother Don.

[masterschamp]

I'm in shock! What a loss, especially for Don's wonderful family. Don always had time to speak with me -- even as he prepared for the Master's in 2002. He will be sadly missed.

Keith