Hayley McNeff, bodybuilding champion from 2009, dies at 37

Hayley McNeff, a prominent bodybuilder during the mid-2000s, has died unexpectedly. She was 37.

McNeff died last Friday, Aug. 8, and her funeral will be held Saturday, Aug. 16, according to her obituary.

A Massachusetts native, McNeff won several bodybuilding titles throughout her career, including the 2009 East Coast Classic and 2009 NPC Delaware State, according to bodybuilding website RXMuscle.

‘Such a bright light has left this world too soon,’ her obituary states. It goes on to say, ‘Hayley was known for her quick wit and constant sense of humor, she had a gift for making those around her laugh and feel welcomed. Her energy and determination was a constant in her life and she always accomplished what she set out to achieve. She treasured her friendships and nurtured strong, lasting relationships with those who knew her best. Hayley will be deeply missed by her parents, siblings, extended family and friends.’

McNeff was a respected figure in the bodybuilding community

In the early aughts, McNeff was featured in the ‘Raising the Bar’ documentary series, in which a film crew provided an inside look into her gym routine as she prepared for the 2009 NPC Delaware State.

After winning the 2009 NPC Delaware State and 2009 East Coast Classic, McNeff was cast on the reality television show ‘Iron Maidens,’ which was pitched to follow a group of prominent female bodybuilders. However, the series never aired.

McNeff attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts. In addition to bodybuilding, she was an accomplished equestrian, board diver, and skier as a child and young adult, her obituary states.

Following her bodybuilding career, which peaked in 2009, McNeff pursued graduate studies in psychology to better understand and help others, her obituary states.

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.