Marianne von Gierke, 40, died Wednesday just two weeks after competing at Mr. Olympia, Chile’s bodybuilding federation announced.
The pro bodybuilder finished 13th in the women’s physique category at the sport’s top event, her second appearance following a 16th-place showing in 2024. She turned pro in 2021 and also worked as a trainer.
Von Gierke, who leaves behind an 11-year-old son, was active on social media in her final days. Her last post, shared hours before her death, congratulated a friend on her physique transformation.
Days earlier, she had posted a tribute to her boyfriend of 10 years, Juan Cofré GarcÃa, thanking him for standing by her through a grueling season that saw her win the Rising Phoenix World Championship title.
“He is with me 365 days a year, not only when things go well, but also through every difficult stage of a preparation,” she wrote alongside a photo of the couple.
She called him “the one who lives with me through every process, my good days, my doubts, my frustrations and my goals. The one who holds from the shadows a fundamental part of all they see on stage.”
“Thank you for believing in me, even when the road gets tough. To understand this passion, live it with me and vibrate with every challenge as if it were yours too.
“Thank you for walking by my side, sharing my dreams and being a fundamental part of every achievement. My season ends. Our path continues.”
Cofré GarcÃa responded publicly to the post, writing that he was “extremely proud” of her accomplishments and promising she would “always have [his] support.”
“I really take my hat off for you and you do not know how proud you make me feel with your achievements, many times I do not know how you do it to carry everything,” he shared.
The Chilean bodybuilding federation did not disclose a cause of death. In their announcement, they honored von Gierke for leaving “an unforgettable mark on bodybuilding” and a “legacy in her category.”
“Her effort, career and all that she achieved will remain in the memory of our sporting community,” they added.
Von Gierke had built her career steadily since turning pro four years ago, combining competition with coaching work while raising her young son. The Rising Phoenix title represented a career peak before her final Olympia appearance.