Matt McLaughlin dead – Champion bodybuilder dies aged 51 after surgery complications as tributes paid to ‘gentle soul’

A CHAMPION bodybuilder has died at the age of 51 after suffering complications from a heart transplant.

Matt McLaughlin’s death was confirmed by longtime friend Kevin McGaunn – who hailed him as a “generous and caring person” in a touching tribute.

McLaughlin, from Maine, enjoyed a brief but successful career in bodybuilding

The retired bodybuilder died in January 5 due to complications from heart surgery in 2019.

Kevin said: “My heart is heavy as I share the news that my dear friend Matt McLaughlin has passed away.

“It is with deep sadness that I write this to let our friends know of his passing.

“Matt was a generous, and caring person who touched the lives of many. He will be greatly missed and remembered with love and respect.

“Please keep his family in your thoughts during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Matt.”

McLaughlin, from Maine, enjoyed a decade-long bodybuilding career.

He secured his biggest victory in 1992 when he was crowned NPC Teen National Champion.

In 1993, McLaughlin competed in the Light-Heavyweight division and won first place at the NPC North American Championships.

He eventually made his way up to the Heavyweight division before he stopped competing in 2001.

After retiring, many professional bodybuilders spoke highly of his potential.

In an obituary, Matt’s family described him as “kind” with a “great sense of humor”.

It said: “Matt was a generous friend, and always willing to help his friends out.

“His cardiologist described him as a gentle soul.

“Matt demonstrated great strength and resilience during these last few years, especially during this past year, when he spent over ninety days at Massachusetts General Hospital.

“He will be forever missed.”

As a youngster in Woburn, Massachusetts, his family said he loved riding and racing BMX bikes.

And he broke the weight lifting record while he was a high school student.

After retiring from bodybuilding, he spent the last 20 years selling toys, “which he took great pride in finding”.

McLaughlin’s funeral will take place on January 13.