Who was Hayley McNeff? Family mourns as fitness influencer passes away

The bodybuilding and fitness community is mourning the unexpected death of champion competitor Hayley McNeff, a native of Concord, Massachusetts. Hayley died on August 8, 2025, at the age of 37.

Her family described her death as "unexpected but peaceful." Since the announcement of Hayley's passing, many fans, friends, and fellow athletes have shared tributes.

A native of Concord, McNeff was the daughter of David J. McNeff and Michelle C. Walker, sister of Ashley S. McNeff and Scott P. McNeff. She supposedly exhibited a fierce competitive spirit from a young age, thriving in equestrian riding, competitive diving, and skiing.

According to Free Press Journal, Hayley McNeff graduated from Concord-Carlisle High School and the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a Bachelor of Arts.

And just...'suddenly'😪💔

*Hayley McNeff-37-USA

*US Bodybuilding Champion, won several competitions, including the 2009 East Coast Classic, and featured in a bodybuilding documentary.

*August 8, 2025

*Tragically, Hayley died suddenly and unexpectedly "but peacefully (⁉️)"… pic.twitter.com/5oAjnj0kyw

— cheri maday (@resilient333) August 14, 2025

Although McNeff's entry into bodybuilding came later in life, her commitment and discipline quickly elevated her to the pinnacle of the sport. McNeff won numerous state championships in Maryland and Delaware, and captured the elite award at the 2009 East Coast Classic.

Her reach extended past the competition stage and onto the television screen as she appeared in many bodybuilding documentaries, including Raising the Bar (2005) and its subsequent series. In these films, she articulately discussed her drive for improvement and unyielding motivation to push and conquer physical limits.

A look into Hayley McNeff's life after retirement

Even after stepping away from the competitive scene of bodybuilding, Hayley McNeff remained endeared to health and the quest for self-development. She pursued graduate school in psychology with the aim of learning about human behavior and new aspirations of helping others with mental health work.

Friends and family think of her quick wit, infectious sense of humor, and her ability to make anyone feel appreciated, wanted, and welcomed.

The news of her death was first revealed to the public by an obituary on Boston.com, then covered by national outlets. The exact cause of death has not been revealed; Dave, her father, called her “a beam of light,” adding that her vitality and determination took her all the way to the pinnacle of success in bodybuilding.

On Saturday, August 16, between 10 and 11 a.m. there will be a public visitation at George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home in Wellesley, Mass. A funeral service at 11 a.m. with private interment after the service will also be held. In lieu of flowers, her family has requested that donations can be made to NAMI Massachusetts in her name.