Bodybuilder Lenny Persin, also known as Big Lenny, has died at the age of 60 as tributes from the bodybuilding community pour in.
While his cause of death has not yet been confirmed, Lenny had been suffering from congestive heart failure.
The news of his death was announced on YouTube by industry expert Jon Bravo on October 10.
Jon said: ‘I have sad news to tell everyone that Big Lenny of the Del Rey Misfits passed away this morning and it was heart failure.
‘I had a chance to know him and he was a gentle giant, you know.
‘One of the biggest guys, the biggest guy in the room and, you know, if there’s one thing we can all learn from Big Lenny is that he lived each day to the fullest and it didn’t matter if he lived in a rundown apartment filled with roaches and dirt and mold, each day, he had a smile on his face, and each day he found a way to make himself happy.
‘I want to send my regards to all his fans, he was well loved in the fitness industry for so many years.
‘He’s a staple of the fitness industry and he’s another one that we have lost too early.’
Big Lenny did not have a typical bodybuilding body because he suffered from a condition called Palumboism.
This is caused by the use of HGH and insulin, which makes it difficult to contract the rectus abdominis muscles.
He was known for his larger than life personality and his unique physique such as his distended stomach.
Big Lenny competed in some major events, the latest of which was at the 2017 NPC Ruby Championship, where he took home second place.
Retired bodybuilder Dave Palumbo also reacted to the news and said: ‘Lenny always joined us on the after hours podcast any time I asked him; he agreed to fight Mr G for charity… and he always was willing to give his unique opinions on any topic.
‘I will miss you Lenny … you were a unique man who carved out your own piece of bodybuilding history … you were an innovator; never an imitator … a cookie cutter! R.I.P.’
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