George Peterson’s autopsy details have surfaced.
On October 6th, 2021, the global community lamented the loss of professional bodybuilder George Peterson. At just 37 years of age, his passing was both unexpected and abrupt, occurring in a hotel room mere days before he was slated to compete at the Olympia. Now, the official autopsy findings have been disclosed, indicating that sudden cardiac dysrhythmia attributed to hypertensive cardiovascular disease was the culprit. Additionally, the medical examiner attributed anabolic steroid use as a contributing element.
Fit Journey Now procured the autopsy report directly from the Office of the Medical Examiner District 9, Orlando, Florida. The document offers comprehensive insights, including an elaborate toxicology report that identified anabolic substances Boldenone and stanozolol in his system. This discovery might explain why the medical examiner highlighted steroids as a contributory aspect to Peterson’s heart condition.
What Led to George Peterson’s Death?
The autopsy report indicates that George Peterson’s death resulted from sudden cardiac dysrhythmia due to hypertensive cardiovascular disease. Anabolic steroid use was also cited as a contributory factor in the disease.
Concluding the autopsy, the Medical Examiner declared this as the cause of George Peterson’s death:
“Considering the circumstances of the death, coupled with the body examination and toxicology analysis, I conclude that the death of George Peterson, a 37-year-old black male, is due to sudden cardiac dysrhythmia as a result of hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with anabolic steroid use (Boldenone and stanozolol) as a contributory factor. The death is classified as natural.”
Further examination of the report reveals that Peterson’s heart was larger than usual at 500 grams, with thickened papillary muscles and chordae tendineae.
Medical research indicates that prolonged anabolic steroid use can lead to an enlarged heart. While this enlargement alone doesn’t cause death, it can exacerbate cardiovascular disease and elevate the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
Initial accounts noted that coach Justin Miller was unable to reach Peterson, who was in his hotel room. After a period of no response, Miller alerted security to access Peterson’s hotel room, finding him face down and unresponsive. Following a 911 call, Miller performed chest compressions until security personnel took over with CPR attempts. According to Miller, emergency responders later confirmed that Peterson had been deceased for several hours.
The Bodybuilding Community Reacts to George Peterson’s Demise
Soon after the heartbreaking news, George Peterson’s coach, Justin Miller, shared a tribute on social media. The post was a combination of a tribute and a recount of the events as they transpired, offering an emotional farewell to not just a legendary bodybuilder but a dear friend.
“I’M IN SHOCK. I’M SCARED. I’M SAD. I’M IN DISBELIEF. FREAKED OUT. I’M COMPLETELY DEVASTATED [SIC]. MY HANDS ARE TREMBLING AS I TYPE THIS. IT FEELS LIKE A NIGHTMARE…BUT AT THE SAME TIME I KNOW ITS REAL.”
– Justin Miller via Instagram
Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead also expressed his grief on Instagram, detailing how Peterson inspired him to reach new heights in bodybuilding, and Bumstead hoped he did the same for Peterson. The friendly competition between them pushed both athletes to excel.
MOMENTS I WON’T FORGET.
I APPRECIATE YOU PUSHING ME ON STAGE AND BEING A MAN TO LOOK UP TO BOTH ON AND OFF THE STAGE. HUMBLE AND HARDWORKING AT ITS FINEST.
SENDING MY LOVE TO YOUR LOVED ONES BROTHER. RIP????????❤️
– Chris Bumstead via Instagram
Several individuals also used the moment to highlight the rising health risks in contemporary bodybuilding. Samir Bannout faced backlash for an Instagram post where he attributed Peterson’s death to modern coaching methods. Bannout questioned the competence of “unqualified coaches,” hoping this incident would prompt a change in industry practices.
Many bodybuilding enthusiasts and athletes criticized his timing, suggesting it was inappropriate to make such statements shortly after Peterson’s passing.
“TRULY SAD TO SEE GEORGE PETERSON LEAVE US SO SOON… @ ONLY 37 YEARS ..MAY HE R.I.P.
I BLAME HIS PASSING ON THE NEW COACHING SYSTEM… WE REALLY NEED TO STOP THOSE UNQUALIFIED COACHES… THAT’S COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE. GEORGE WAS ONE WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING N LOSING HIM JUST LIKE THAT, UPSETS ME 100X MORE!!”
– Samir Bannout Via Instagram
The Enduring Legacy of George Peterson
Irrespective of the reasons behind his death, George Peterson was undeniably a contemporary icon in bodybuilding. Beyond his professional achievements, he will be cherished as a kind man and loyal friend by those who knew him personally. For his fans who engaged with him at events or online, he leaves an indelible mark on the sport.
The sorrow from his death is palpable, and the release of the autopsy findings will likely spark further tributes and reflection on Peterson’s career and life. He was a man not only at the peak of his life but also at the pinnacle of his career.
George Peterson’s Bodybuilding Achievements
2013
- North American Championships, IFBB Men’s Heavyweight – 18th place
- National Championships, NPC Men’s Heavyweight – 16th place
2016
- Eastern USA Championships, NPC Men’s Classic Physique Class B – 1st place
- National Championships, NPC Men’s Classic Physique Class B, Overall – 1st place
2017
- New York Pro – 2nd place
- Tampa Pro – 1st place
- Mr. Olympia – 3rd place
2018
- Mr. Olympia – 3rd place
2019
- Arnold Classic – 1st place
- Mr. Olympia – 3rd place
2020
- Tampa Pro – 1st place
- Mr. Olympia – 3rd place
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