Shaun Davis, a Mr. Universe bodybuilder known as "Dinosaur," has passed away at the age of 57, leaving his friends and community devastated.
Davis, who secured the prestigious Mr. Universe title in 1996, faced a challenging journey marked by kidney problems that eventually led to his retirement from the world of bodybuilding, per the Sun.
Despite his enormous success, he grappled with health issues, undergoing dialysis three times a week until 2009 when he finally received a life-saving kidney transplant after a three-year wait.
Hailing from Long Eaton in Derbyshire, UK, Davis was a towering figure, weighing an impressive 334lbs at the peak of his Mr. Universe achievements. He is survived by his partner, Helen Burrows, and their daughter.
Local councilor Richard McRae expressed his condolences, stating: "RIP Shaun Davis, a very well-known and respected gentleman who most definitely put Long Eaton on the map. Shaun was Mr. Universe in 1996. He was also Mr. UK, Mr. Britain, Mr. Europe, and Mr. Pro Universe."
Close friend Kuldeep Bhardwaj, grappling with the news, shared: "Just received terrible news from Helen Burrows about the passing of my friend Shaun Davis. I’m absolutely devastated. Rest in Peace, my friend. You were a true inspiration right from the day I met you at school, through your amazing bodybuilding years, and after. Your smile and laughter will be missed."
In 2009, Davis, cognizant of the critical need for organ donors, urged the public to sign up for the transplant donor register. In an interview with the BBC, he emphasized: "It really hammers it home, since the transplant, that more and more people are desperate for kidneys. There are people out there who are dying waiting for kidneys."
Reflecting on his personal struggle, the bodybuilder shared a poignant moment when his daughter wrote a letter to Santa, thanking him for her father's new kidney.
Davis recalled: "That broke me to tears because she's been praying for a kidney for her daddy. She asked for one last Christmas and it didn't come."
Both fans and friends of Davis have taken to social media to pay their respects, with one friend tweeting: "Woke up to terrible news today. My lifelong friend Shaun Davis, ex Mr Universe has sadly passed away. One of the kindest, most loyal friends I've ever had. I'm totally devastated. RIP Dinosaur."
A second person said: "Sad news this morning coming out of Long Eaton today. Shaun Davis, the man who put the town on the map has passed away. Can remember the times he was bouncer on Credo’s & Blitz Bar, letting me in when they was full & the Sunday afternoon beers on the high street!! RIP mate."
Our thoughts are with Davis' loved ones during this difficult time.
