Professional bodybuilder Kevin Gebhardt has passed away, just weeks after undergoing surgery.
Tributes have poured in for the beloved 31-year-old International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness (IFBB) athlete.
According to The Sun, Gebhardt was last heard from on social media on April 23, when he revealed to his Instagram followers that he was at home recovering after undergoing surgery to repair a torn tendon in his knee.
He shared a picture of himself sitting in a wheelchair, with a brace on his right knee, with the caption: “Time heals all the breaks!”
Per The Mirror, no official cause of death has been disclosed, however, reports state that he was discovered dead in his apartment on Sunday.
Many of the late bodybuilder's heartbroken followers have now taken to the comment section of his final post to express condolences.
One user wrote: "Rest in peace, champion. We will miss you," while another said: "Found this out today and I’m absolutely shocked. Rip Kevin."
A third commented: "Rest in peace. condolences to your family and friends," and a fourth added: "Fly high my brother hopefully paradise. Everyone is thinking of you."
The late German athlete started to lift weights at age 14 after being inspired by his uncle.
Years later, Gebhardt won after participating in the EVLS Prague Qualifiers in 2018 and finished in the top 10 of several competitions such as the 2021 Yamamoto Cup Pro, 2021 Egypt Pro, and the 2021 EVLS Prague Pro.
Friend and bodybuilding coach Milos Sarcev seemingly confirmed Gebhardt's death in an emotional post on Instagram, writing: "We have lost another brother of iron, way too early."
"Last night I was informed that my former athlete Kevin Gebhardt was found dead in his apartment in Germany. I knew Kevin since 2018, his amateur days…Helped him win the Pro card (same year) and guided him ON and OFF for several pro shows," he said.
"He made the trip to Las Vegas to finally train with me - exactly a year ago…after training with @thedorianyates in Spain as well. He was planning to compete in Alicante and Portugal shows last year, but upon returning home he decided not to compete that year," he continued.
"That was the last time I heard from him. Sincere condolences to his family and loved ones," Sarcev shared adding that the bodybuilder was a "super sweet person" and a "very hard worker".
"I am devastated with the news and very sad for his girlfriend and his family. May he rest in peace," he concluded.
Our thoughts are with Gebhardt's family and friends at this devastating time.
