Cedric McMillan, a champion American bodybuilder, has died at the age of 44, sponsors confirmed.

McMillan reportedly suffered a heart attack while on a treadmill, according to fitness network .

The champion strongman had been open about suffering from long-term Covid-19, which had caused him heart issues, as well as pneumonia, the network has also Black Skull USA, a supplement company that sponsored McMillan, confirmed his passing Wednesday on Instagram.

'We regret to inform you that our friend and brother @cedricmcmillan passed away today. Cedric will be greatly missed as an athlete, comrade, friend, and father,' they wrote in a post on Instagram. The company didn't provide further details around McMillan's death.

Cedric McMillan competes in the Arnold Classic as part of the Arnold Sports Festival on March 7, 2020, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center

Cedric McMillan competes in the Arnold Classic as part of the Arnold Sports Festival on March 7, 2020, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center

McMillan won the 2017 Arnold Classic bodybuilding title, named after Arnold Schwarzenegger. A New Jersey native, McMillan grew up idolizing Schwarzenegger

McMillan won the 2017 Arnold Classic bodybuilding title, named after Arnold Schwarzenegger. A New Jersey native, McMillan grew up idolizing Schwarzenegger

The champion strongman had been open about suffering from long-term Covid-19 , which had caused him heart issues, as well as pneumonia

The champion strongman had been open about suffering from long-term Covid-19 , which had caused him heart issues, as well as pneumonia

In a video posted to on February 28, McMillan laid out in great detail the struggles his body was going through.

'I can't keep food inside for some reason,' he said. 'It makes me a stupid hiccup, I hiccup all day and half the night and every time I eat, or even drink water. Come back up, nothing wants to stay inside.

'Four weeks ago I went to the doctor again and they recommended that I do not do the Arnold Classic.'

McMillan won the 2017 Arnold Classic bodybuilding title, named after Arnold Schwarzenegger. A New Jersey native, McMillan grew up idolizing Schwarzenegger.

The Arnold Sports Festival remembered him in a post after his death Wednesday.

'Known for his larger than life personality, his infectious smile, a gentle heart, and a sense of humor https://droidoo.com/derek-anthony-bodybuilding-for-bodybuilders/ that was loved by fellow competitors and fans alike, Cedric will be deeply missed.'

McMillan, a husband and father of three, was an Army veteran and also a member of the South Carolina National Guard, who were notified of his death. He achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class in July 2021.

Cedric McMillan attends the Arnold Sports Festival 2016 in Columbus, Ohio

Cedric McMillan attends the Arnold Sports Festival 2016 in Columbus, Ohio

The Arnold Sports Festival remembered him in a Facebook post: 'Known for his larger than life personality, his infectious smile, a gentle heart, and a sense of humor that was loved by fellow competitors and fans alike, Cedric will be deeply missed'

The Arnold Sports Festival remembered him in a Facebook post: 'Known for his larger than life personality, his infectious smile, a gentle heart, and a sense of humor that was loved by fellow competitors and fans alike, Cedric will be deeply missed'

In a video posted to Instagram on February 28, McMillan laid out in great detail the struggles his body was going through

In a video posted to Instagram on February 28, McMillan laid out in great detail the struggles his body was going through

After contracting Covid-19 and recovering in 2020, McMillan told he started to feel symptoms recur in summer 2021.

In December 2021, after what he described as 'a near-death experience,' he was hospitalized for three weeks. After his release, he attempted to get back into the physical shape that would allow him to compete but started to feel ill again.

After getting sick again, he'd said in a video he was focusing more time on family and his loved ones.

'We give a lot of ourselves, to the gym, to preparation and to work. Give yourself to your family and the people who love you while you still have a chance,' he said.

0xbt

Bodybuilder Cedric McMillan Dies Aged 44 After &amp;apos;having A Heart Attack&amp;apos;'s polls

Bodybuilder Cedric McMillan Dies Aged 44 After &apos;having A Heart Attack&apos;

Bodybuilder Cedric McMillan Dies Aged 44 After 'having A Heart Attack''s polls

Bodybuilder Cedric McMillan Dies Aged 44 After 'having A Heart Attack'