In January 1990 a hospitalized Mike experienced a Eureka moment. Professional bodybuilder, author, entrepreneur, and philosopher. "Bodybuilders' Deaths Lead to Investigation", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ray_Mentzer&oldid=1121569006, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 13 November 2022, at 00:22. "The magazine was doing fairly well, when, just as it started to turn a profit, the financial people - for whatever reason - pulled the plug on the whole thing and we ceased operation. Currently he was throwing himself full tilt into producing a DVD and a new book. Before he left FLEX in early 1996 we had what seemed a productive and rewarding friendship. He did this at the University of Maryland however in 1977 Mike dropped out, realizing the subject wasnt for him. Mike won the rival IFBB Mr America in 1976. Later, as his bodybuilding progressed, he would move to take between4-7 days rest in between workouts. He was 33 years old. Full Name: Ray MentzerWeightNationalityProfessionEra225 - 235lbs (102.1 - 106.6kg)AmericanBodybuilder1970, 1980Weight225 - 235lbs (102.1 - 106.6kg)NationalityAmericanProfessionBodybuilderEra1970, 1980. ..on June 11th at approximately 9:00 PM, Ray Mentzer died in his sleep. All rights reserved. Rice said that although Michael Mentzer had appeared robust, his medical records showed that he had a history of coronary-related problems.. Ray Mentzer was born on 2 August, 1953 in Pennsylvania, United States. Ray Mentzer (August 3, 1953 June 12, 2001) was the 1976 Junior Mr. America, 1978 IFBB Mr. USA and was winner of the 1979 AAU Mr. America competition. In her testimony in April, Greenberger denied that she was involved in the murder, saying that her ex-lover, Mentzer, killed Radin on the orders of Bellechesses. Greenberger showed little emotion and was escorted by deputies from the courtroom soon after the verdicts were read. CLICK HERE! At 48 years old, Ray Mentzer height not available right now. They're just average lifters wanting to look better. No, not every pro has had issues. Rather than blaming others, he realized it was he was the one out ofcontrol, not everybody and everything else. Eventually, investigators presented a tale of cocaine, sex and greed that they say involved the making of The Cotton Club, named after the famed Prohibition-era jazz club. Ray Mentzers income source is mostly from being a successful . Outperform yourself, make gains, and enjoy the process. Mikes form would be kept absolutely perfect. This was met with anger from many contestants, including Mentzer. BOTH were winners of the coveted Mr. America title. Sometimes I'd stay awake for two or three days at a time to meet dead lines. For Ray, his brother's death was a great tragedy. He claimedhe needed it for productivity, and didnt use it for recreation. The two brothers dying within 48 hours of each other shocked the bodybuilding world. In 2014, the Public Library of Science published a report investigating the mortality rate among active pro wrestlers. However, Mentzer was just getting warmed up. A key witness claimed to have overheard Mentzer and Marti discuss the slaying at Flynts Bel-Air mansion. Cardiovascular disease and drug overdose were found to cause an overwhelming majority of the deaths, with wrestlers being 15 times more likely to experience a cardiovascular-related death and a shocking 122 times more likely to die from drugs compared to non-athletes. Ray suffered from kidney failure caused by Berger's Disease. The weightsmoved in a perfectly controlled and slow manner. Almost miraculously, within a few days, he was establishing his personal-training business at Gold's Gym, Venice. Your email address will not be published. From there, it wasonward and upwards. A case of riseand fall. WebI watched Mike Mentzer's star rise in the '70s and later came to know him a little. If you have any questions about Ray Mentzer's training, diet, etc. 06/28/01 - New information on this tragedy can be found. In 1999, after going to a check-up at the doctors, Ray received terrible news. But even non-traditional sports like cricket, NASCAR, cycling, and pro-wrestling "entertainment" sports have all made headlines with various reports of PED use. The Cotton Club project began after Greenberger introduced Radin to Hollywood filmmaker Robert Evans, who was then her boyfriend. Here's where they're hiding. When a bodybuilder dies at an early age from organ-related failure, this is the kneejerk response you'll hear from bodybuilding fans: "He had a preexisting condition and would've had that same problem whether he was a bodybuilder or a school teacher!". If you knew these seven things about lifting or bodybuilding beforehand, would you even bother walking into a gym? Mentzers body was discovered by his brother, 47-year-old Raymond Harry Mentzer, said David Rice, an owner of the L.R. But the next morning, he was back to "being a productive genius. ", As 1980 unfolded, however, Mike had no inkling that his competitive career was hurtling toward its conclusion. While hospitalized it was discovered that he had experienced two silent heart attacks, wherein the victim is unaware theres a problem. The mortician said that Raymond Mentzer, who suffered from kidney problems and had been undergoing dialysis treatments, appeared very shaken by his brothers However, things didn't progress the way Mike had hoped, and after six months, he and Jones severed their business relationship. Monday morning, June 11, 2001, an e-mail was sent to us saying that Mike Mentzer has passed away June 9th. RIP. Deputy Dist. 4 AM: woke up and read philosophy for two hours, 9 PM: studied philosophy and dealt with mail-order administration, "I was in love with being conscious - amphetamines have that effect on a lot of people. After failing to turn up to a dialysis session, Ray too, was found dead in the same apartment, not 48 hours later. It was early May of 2001, when out of the blue I received a phone call in FLEXs LA office from Mike Mentzer. He was known for lifting over 900lbs in squats, and for weighing 275lbs of rock-solid muscle at one point. "I'd exhausted all avenues of thought on my predicament, and realized, On Saturday June 9, 2001 after a long day he wrapped filming of the DVD he so wanted to finish. Three months after his death, it was found that Ultimately, Rays life was one full of success but also tragedy. Ray's brother, Mike Mentzer won the rival IFBB Mr. America in 1976 during Ray's Junior title. For the answer to that question stay tuned for next weeks story. WebA: Mike Mentzer's cause of death was heart complications. Her attorney argued during the trial that Greenberger had been framed for the murder by Milan Bellechesses, a Miami drug dealer and another Greenberger paramour who suspected Radin of stealing drugs. [en] Vital records: Ray Mentzer at +Archives Friday. By the 45th minute mark, he was completely exhausted and his muscles were ready for recovery. Mike Mentzer was born in Pennsylvania. Previously, he had started dieting 12 weeks out. In around mid-1983, Mike had managed to find a role as editor of Workout Magazine. WebPennsylvania, United States. WebTo compound the loss of Mike, on June 11th, at approximately 9:00 PM, Ray died in his sleep. 1971 AAU Teen Mr America 2nd 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. His theories and writings continue to be a source for debate, and his books and articles remain popular (see www.mikementzer.com). As the courtroom clerk began reading the verdicts at 9:40 a.m., each of the defendants sat impassively, sometimes leaning to talk with their attorneys or sullenly gazing around the courtroom. Ray Menzter, age 47, was reportedly very shaken up by the Evans, the former chief of Paramount Pictures and the producer of such hits as Chinatown and The Godfather, was not charged in the crime. Mike offered to be a donor to his sibling who had won the 1979 Mr. America, before it was discovered that he had serious heart problems, which precluded him from being a candidate. Its fair to say that Arthur Jones was the man behind the success of Mike Mentzer, and so should be classed as one of his major influences. Check out our top rated fat burners to find out what actually works. Mike battled his demons for 5 years and was admitted to hospital on several occasions. Hed do squats for hours on end, together with a few other guys. However,while getting checked out if he could provide the organ to his brother doctors discovered Mike had very serious heart problems. Iwrote in my book Heavy Duty II: Mind and Body that the idea is not more is better or less is better but precise is best; and as I learned from training close to 2,000 people plus myself that the precise amount of exercise required to induce optimal growth stimulation isnt nearly as much as youve been led to believe or would like to believe.. Mentally, he went into a different gear and battened down the hatches earlier and more securely than for any other competition. And indeed there were warning signs about his health. June 21, 1995 . A sad day for bodybuildingMike and Ray Mentzer Dead. He was defeated by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1980 Mr. Olympia confirmed that Arnold Schwarzenegger had a year before Mikes death called Mike to enquire about Ray Mentzers health problems, and had offered assistance. She said she was pleased that her brothers killers had finally been brought to justice. Ray Mentzer (left) and Mike Mentzer (right) posing. Dunn is a California native who has worked as a dishwasher in Sacramento, a printer in San Francisco and a bicycle repairman in Walnut Creek. WebA native of Germantown, Pennsylvania, he died of heart failure in Rolling Hills, California at the age of forty-nine. Plot #17067587. Digesting that loss, Mike planned to leave no stone unturned in his onslaught for the 1980 Olympia crown. He would talk with me at length, and I remember those conversations with fondness, which causes me to think fondly of John Little. But, after soul searching, hospital visits and a help from a few close friends, he came back. Ray Menzter, age 47, was reportedly very shaken up by the death of his brother. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. He contracted Bergers disease. P.S. Carrier said neither body has been examined, so the causes of death have not been determined. But the big question is, are preexisting conditions made worse by excessive drug use? Physical wear and tear such as collisions in contact sports or recreational drug use are said to be greater contributing factors. We hadnt spoken for over five years. I wasnt in control of my mind although I thought he was.. The initial reports of Ray's death circulating through the bodybuilding community were that he had committed suicide, but this has yet to be confirmed. 7 Things No One Tells You Before You Start Lifting, Tip: Avoid Xenoestrogens and Phytoestrogens, Tip: Surround Yourself With These 5 People. The Ray Mentzer story is one of success, but also tragedy. Jones was an accomplished trainer, and inventor of many of the early exercise machines he began training Mike, firmly believing in the teens potential. It become known as "Goldman's Dilemma.". The verdicts were sealed until Monday. This routine was based on doing 6-9 reps per set at the maximum weight he could lift. I Think Mike was someone worth looking up to. Champion bodybuilders are known only to the relatively-small community who follow this fringe sport. In 1983, ace inventor and entrepreneur Arthur Jones recruited Mike and brother Ray (1979 Mr. America) to work with him on research projects he was undertaking at his Nautilus headquarters in Deland, Florida. He was destined not to make it. Except this time, things were different. 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. WebMentzer died on June 10, 2001 in Rolling Hills, California. Patent on Dorsi Flexor,AD in Biology,BS in Psychology,M.Ed. 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. Our exclusive interview with Val Segal, the person who spent the last hours with Mike and Ray Mentzer! Mike understood that an individual had individual needs, but inside, we all worked the same. In 1971, Mikewon his first competition, the Mr. Lancaster at the age of 18. Really. I wish he was still living too. In my opinion Mr. Mentzer may have went a bit beyond then rested too long, especially up to 7 days. At one time, training for just six weeks to prove the invalidity of the Bulgarian system, he squatted 902 pounds for 2 repetitions. Thanks for the info, weve now added Ayn Rand into Mikes idols and influences section. It may be more accurate to say steroids don't kill people, abusing steroids kills people. It was the last time Radin was seen alive. He begantraining 3 times a week and bythe age of 15, Mikecould bench press 370lb (170kg), with a body weight of just165lbs (75kg). A 2012 study in the American Journal of Cardiology investigated mortality rates among NFL players and actually saw that they were, overall, almost half as likely to die as comparably-aged non-athletes. Mike Mentzer was born on the 15th of November, 1951. Goes Out newsletter, with the week's best events, to help you explore and experience our city. Date of death. The doctors put him on a kidney dialysis treatment soon after, along with putting him on a kidney transplant waiting list. Great article, but the accomplished must be revisited. After a day of shooting, Ray turned Acted as liaison for Evans and New York producer Roy Radin during Cotton Club movie negotiations. On the morning of Tuesday, June 12, Joanne Sharkey (General Manager of Mikes business but who was in essence like an older protective sister to the brothers) received a call from Rays dialysis unit that he hadnt turned up for his appointment. There were two notable, and noble, exceptions: ex-girlfriend Julie McNew and John Little, senior writer for FLEX. Part of the reason for his success was he prescribed to his brother's concept of heavy duty training which involved very high intensity 45 minute workout sessions. 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. Goldman consistently found that the majority of athletes would eagerly accept the deal. This biographical article relating to bodybuilding in the United States is a stub. However, Mike was still able to take care of his younger brother. The 1980, IFBB Mr. Olympia in Sydney was Mikes next major competition. We don't have much information about He's past relationship and any previous engaged. Despite this Mike kept up a relentless pace in productive genius style and smoked heavily. According to our Database, He has no children. In 1978, Ray became the IFBB Mr. USA champion. Rice Mortuary in Torrance. Ray was 9 years old and Mike was 11 years old. Mike used to say you could get full development of a physique using his system training only one half hour a week. On top of this, Rays strength also increased. Mike Matarazzo, pro bodybuilder. A meeting was called, withmany reports claiminginsults wereexchanged between Mentzer and Schwarzenegger and that a fight nearly broke out. He won the Mr. Olympia title in 1979. * Another ex-Flynt bodyguard. In 1980, he lost the title to Schwarzenegger, and the embittered Mentzer stated publicly that he felt he was robbed. Mike was 49 and Ray was 47. While there were no reported long term side effects at the time, Mike began to suffer from fatigue, and would spend full days in bed without being able to even lift an arm. Lowe claimed that Greenberger and Evans paid for a contract hit against Radin. Ray, his brother, who is also suffering from illnesses, found him. WebThere was no obviously apparent cause of death, but medical records indicate that he had a history of heart problems. * 1987: About 4 1/2 years after the murder, sheriffs investigators receive first major break in the case when they are introduced to William Rider, former brother-in-law and security supervisor for Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. Along with Mentzer, accused of carrying out the murder. On June 9th, 2001, Ray and Mike were working on their new training DVD calledHIT. In the 1980s, Dr. Robert Goldman began asking top-level athletes if they'd accept a proverbial deal with the devil that guaranteed victory in every competition they entered but also guaranteed their death within five years. * June 2, 1989: Rider testifies during the preliminary hearing that murder suspects Mentzer and Marti, both former Flynt bodyguards whom he had supervised, had bragged about killing Radin. The defense attorneys expressed dissatisfaction with some of Superior Court Judge Curtis Rappes bench rulings, and indicated that appeals are likely. "Julie, even though our relationship had ended, was very supportive, emotionally and financially, over that whole five-year period," Mike states. I was a productive genius, but I had lost sight of the fact that the body and the mind have limitations. I'd read the literature on amphetamines and had never heard of any long-term physical damage, but I did know that it could possibly result in acute episodes of psychosis. As 1990 came, Mike found himself once again in a hospitalized state. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? Is it for money? 1975 IFBB Mr. America 3rd (Medium) Also learn how He earned most of networth at the age of 48 years old? He began competing in the most elite shows around America, making a name for himself in the process. He was known for being a Bodybuilder. Q: Where is Mike Mentzer buried? In the 1960s, Iron Man publisher Peary Rader wrote an editorial to address the issue of steroids in bodybuilding and to warn readers not to get involved with the drugs. Mike Mentzer won the Mr. Universe title in 1978 and the heavyweight division of the Mr. Olympia contest in 1979. Theyd send me little pictures of themselves and all types of stuff. As Workout Magazine ceased, Mike soon afterlost his beloved father, and, as if there wasnt enough for the bodybuilder to handle, his 10-year relationship with fiancee Cathy Gelfocame to an end. I always admired Mike Mentzer and knew from my own experience that his training philosophy had great validity. United States. He later competed in Mr. America, Mr. World, Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia contests. Mike Mentzer started bodybuilding at age 12. Two days later, Ray died from complications from his long battle with Berger's disease. A tragic loss, and one that was to be followed shortly after by his brother. Rider told them that Mentzer and Marti had admitted during a poker game that they killed Radin. Mike Mentzer placed 5th. rhyth. All rights reserved. Fame? Ray, his brother, who is also suffering from illnesses, found him. Hewill always be remembered for not only having one of the greatest physiques of all time, but also for having one of the greatest stories. The brash and ambitious Radin had made his name in New York by producing a series of successful vaudeville revivals and police union benefits. Arnold didnt even like cardio you know, probably because he didnt quite like a strict regimen diet. Later that night at the brothers apartment, despite Ray telling him he should turn in, Mike continued to work on the DVDs script. "Editing Workout was one of the most enjoyable things I've ever done," Mike claims. Mike did not get his ideas from Jones. The point is, though, Ray did have his own take on training but was less publically vocal. His brother, Ray, was on medication and did not take the medication hence he died next. [/QUOTE] On June 10, 2001, at approximately 9:00 AM, Mike Mentzer's heart stopped beating while he was asleep. Earlier this year, a blood clot broke loose from his leg and went to his lung. WebNationality: American. During his downtime, Mike began studying to be a psychologist in 1974 to keep his academic mind active. In enthusiastic tones Mike told me he looked forward to celebrating his 50th birthday in November. They cant take away the pain and no one can bring him back.. It was a crushing blow. He was called as a witness during the preliminary hearing but refused to testify, claiming 5th Amendment protection against self-incrimination. As Bill Pettis put it; Ray is one of the strongest bodybuilders I have ever seen in my life.. This was in no small part due to his new training routine, Heavy Duty Training, which was created by his 21-months older brother Mike Mentzer. Required fields are marked *. A 2012 report from the American Journal of Cardiology reviewed nearly 50 different studies looking at the effects of anabolic steroids and cardiovascular/metabolic function. Not only is he knownas one of the greatest bodybuilders in history, but also as an action movie star, and an American politician. He also did stutter reps and slow negatives. At least do light reps a couple of those days for arms, delts, lats, upper legs, abs. He was a millionaire by 20 and lived lavishly in a mansion on Long Island. Freeze,The Governator,and to many of his fans justArnie. Press reports of the Mentzer deaths stressed that they were both bodybuilders. The condition was so serious that Ray had no other option but to get a new kidney. WebRay Mentzer Cause of Death Sadly, Ray Mentzer would contract Berger's Disease which would lead to kidney problems that contributed to his passing. ", 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. "I looked my best, but I didn't feel at my best. According to the prosecution, the deal began to come apart when Greenberger felt she was being cut out of the profits. Unlike bodybuilding, the deaths of other professional athletes aren't as strongly linked to performance enhancing drugs. Lipscomb said that because a death occurred during the kidnaping, Greenberger and Lowe will be in prison for the rest of their lives. 1979 IFBB Canada Pro Cup 2nd We know that PEDs are widespread in professional sports like baseball, football soccer, and MMA. 2023 Greatest Physiques. Since 1999 Mikes younger brother, by 21 months, Ray had been receiving kidney dialysis and was awaiting a transplant. And Mike wasnt joking. 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. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. You should add Ayn Rand as an influence. Ray died just two days after discovering his brother Mike Mentzer's body in the same apartment due to heart failure.[2]. 2023 Greatest Physiques. Atty. He became a professional bodybuilder after that 1978 Universe win. He has a daughter who was born in 1986. 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. In 1971, Mike suffered a severe shoulder injury that puta long-term pauseon histraining. The younger Mentzer was devastated as he went about making funeral arrangements. Coupled with an overwhelming amount of calories he ate, Ray soon reached the 250lbs mark of weight. This would require a weight that would take you to failure in between 6 and 9 reps. Then, once you hit failure, keep going. However, the doctors first needed to check if Mikes kidney was compatible with Ray. In fact, Rays workouts would last no longer than 45 minutes.