Greenberger, 43, and Robert Lowe, 44, were convicted of second-degree murder and kidnaping, requiring an automatic life sentence without possibility of parole. Sadly, Ray Mentzer would contract Berger's Disease which would lead to kidney problems that contributed to his passing. "John Little was one of the few who didn't approach me on the ignorant assumption that I was a 'loony' or a 'crazy.' Mike Mentzer went back to what he knew with a vengeance. At one time, training for just six weeks to prove the invalidity of the Bulgarian system, he squatted 902 pounds for 2 repetitions. In 1979, he had started taking amphetamines: "Not for the purpose of getting high - that was the furthest thing from my mind. RIP Mike. You won't have much luck. He has lived along the levees of the Sacramento Delta, the Powell-Hyde Street cable car line and the shaded streets of Pasadena. Ray would later become a bodybuilding legend for his vascular 20+ inch arms, and for reaching a then unthinkable 275lbs of weight. It was these three unfortunate events, combined with the continued use of amphetamines that would lead to Mike Mentzers decline. His progress over the next few years was onward and upward. However, Mike was still able to take care of his younger brother. Almost unbelievably on going to the apartment Joanne found Ray had passed away. Ray believed that by increasing the time under tension with these methods, hed improve his muscle growth. June 21, 1995 . Los Angeles County sheriffs investigators had all but ended their investigation of Radins murder, but a break came in 1987 when they met William Rider, the brother-in-law and onetime security chief for Larry Flynt, publisher of Hustler magazine. And just because muscle is more than 70 percent water doesnt mean should begin drinking gallons and gallons of water a day to hasten the muscle growth process either.. And yet, there were still occasions when the demons visited. 4 AM: woke up and read philosophy for two hours, 9 PM: studied philosophy and dealt with mail-order administration, "I was in love with being conscious - amphetamines have that effect on a lot of people. Date of death. He worked as deputy national editor from 2007 to 2011 and played a central role in the coverage of some of the biggest national stories of recent years, including the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the 2008 election of President Obama. Mike was 49 and Ray was 47. The younger Mentzer was devastated as he went about making funeral arrangements. Great article, but the accomplished must be revisited. Later that night at the brothers apartment, despite Ray telling him he should turn in, Mike continued to work on the DVDs script. Big Dead Bodybuilders - T NATION The jury also found that Mentzer and Marti killed Radin for financial gain during a kidnaping--special circumstances that open the possibility of death in the gas chamber for both men. Discover the cheat that athletes use to cut fat quickly and get defined muscles. 1979 IFBB Pittsburgh Pro Invitational 2nd * 1987: About 4 1/2 years after the murder, sheriffs investigators receive first major break in the case when they are introduced to William Rider, former brother-in-law and security supervisor for Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt. He published numerous fitness-themed books, including Heavy Duty Nutrition and High-Intensity Training the Mike Mentzer Way. 2023 Greatest Physiques. So you have to wonder why so many seem eager to risk their lives and health for success. Bodybuilders' Deaths Lead to Investigation - Los Angeles Times At the time of his passing, it was reported that he died after choking on food, but his autopsy report pointed elsewhere. Death date: 0 June, 1986, Sunday. Performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) is the term the public associates with anabolic steroids, even though it's a general category that can include anything from insulin to EPO, a blood "doping" endurance booster, and various non-steroid stimulants. ..on June 11th at approximately 9:00 PM, Ray Mentzer died in his sleep. It become known as "Goldman's Dilemma.". Kaiserman said he thought the jurys decision showed that they believed Greenberger had not intended to murder Radin, but rather to kidnap him to find out who was behind a large theft of cocaine from Greenbergers residence. He had a history of heart trouble. To compound the loss of Mike, on June 11th, at approximately 9:00 PM, Ray died in his sleep. Edit: two DAYS not years, my b The first and obvious choice for Rays kidney transplant was his brother, Mike. Web- Safety Protection System Analysis / Common Cause Failures . WebI watched Mike Mentzer's star rise in the '70s and later came to know him a little. The passionate, dedicated and knowledgeable bodybuilder. A native of Germantown, Pennsylvania, he died of heart failure in Rolling Hills, California at the age of Except this time, things were different. Ray Mentzer They also had the same time-lapse conversation with him, and he even came up to the office and had lunch with the Master Blaster. Not 48 hours later, Ray was found dead in his apartment losing his battle against Bergers Disease. Jones was an accomplished trainer, and inventor of many of the early exercise machines he began training Mike, firmly believing in the teens potential. He began competing in the most elite shows around America, making a name for himself in the process. Although Greenberger conceded she left with Radin for dinner in the same limousine, she said Mentzer told her to get out of the car. Jerry Brainum on the Demise of Mike and Ray Mentzer - YouTube I dont see anyone beating him through the early eighties. In 1971, Mike suffered a severe shoulder injury that puta long-term pauseon histraining. The mortician said that Raymond Mentzer, who suffered from kidney problems and had been undergoing dialysis treatments, appeared very shaken by his brothers death. Id never dreamed theyd end up like they were, but Mike and Ray are genetic freaks. Despite this Mike kept up a relentless pace in productive genius style and smoked heavily. It was at that event that Mikewould would be introduced toArthur Jones. Greatest Physiques is the number 1 destination for the best looking bodies on the planet. Were disappointed, but Im very thankful the jury didnt convict her of first-degree murder.. All rights reserved. Check out our guide to protein-rich foods to help you on your way - a completely new fitness level is just around the corner. "Julie, even though our relationship had ended, was very supportive, emotionally and financially, over that whole five-year period," Mike states. Many bodybuilders sell themselves short. The two brothers dying within 48 hours of each other shocked the bodybuilding world. Little men like him need to knock the others to make themselves feel good cause they cant do it on their own!!! In around mid-1983, Mike had managed to find a role as editor of Workout Magazine. Then, in a shocking development, Ray Mentzer was found dead this morning, June 12. In his seminars, he was openly contemptuous of the Sydney affair; a posture that he believes led to his being unofficially blacklisted by the IFBB, making promoters reluctant to book him. Carrier said Michael John Mentzer, 49, a champion bodybuilder whose competitive career ended when he lost the Mr. Olympia title to Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1980, died Sunday morning. What can you take from this? I think its terrific that the justice system is working here, she said. All rights reserved. Your email address will not be published. Rest was crucial. In fact, carbohydrates made up the bulk of Rays diet. Get our L.A. But, after soul searching, hospital visits and a help from a few close friends, he came back. Thirty years ago, the average non-professional athlete was uninterested in using steroids. 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Jordan Michael B. Handsome at Walk of Fame ceremony. A 2014 study looked into a connection between anabolic steroids and cardiovascular function. * November, 1990: Trial begins for the four defendants. Lowe claimed that Greenberger and Evans paid for a contract hit against Radin. At the center of the real-life drama was Radin, a 275-pound, cocaine-sniffing high school dropout from Long Island, N.Y., who had come to California in the early 1980s with dreams of breaking into the movie business. It made me feel like a productive genius.". There were two notable, and noble, exceptions: ex-girlfriend Julie McNew and John Little, senior writer for FLEX. Ray Mentzer (left) and Mike Mentzer (right) posing. Its hard not to surmise that in his frail state of health (in the previous few months he had been rushed to the local emergency room several times) the death of his beloved brother was just too much to bear. Monday morning, June 11, 2001, an e-mail was sent to us saying that. Complex, B-12, B-2. Arnold Schwarzenegger - He's been named the Austrian Oak, The Terminator,John Matrix, Mr. Answers here. At least do light reps a couple of those days for arms, delts, lats, upper legs, abs. Hed do squats for hours on end, together with a few other guys. He has a daughter who was born in 1986. While initially inspired by Bill Pearl, Mikes whole training philosophy was based on the work of Arthur Jones and HIT. Famed for his fracas with Arnold Schwarzenegger at the 1980 Olympia to hisHeavy Duty training style. Great profile! Cardiovascular disease and drug overdose were found to cause an overwhelming majority of the deaths, with wrestlers being 15 times more likely to experience a cardiovascular-related death and a shocking 122 times more likely to die from drugs compared to non-athletes. This didnt sit right with Mike, and he wasnt afraid to talk about it in a disdainful manner in his seminars which may have led to his unofficial blacklisting from the IFBB. He had suffered a heart attack in his sleep. Ray followed a similar training style to his brother Mike; it was called Heavy Duty Training. Ray was on the waiting list for a transplant, and the obvious choice was his 21-month older brother Mike. The weightsmoved in a perfectly controlled and slow manner. Both brothers had a history of health problems, including heart problems. To gain further insight into Mikes 2001 death, it is necessary to turn the clock back 21 years. He was known for being a Bodybuilder. Many have felt that steroids had contributed to the deaths of both brothers but this truly is speculation. In 1978, he would win the IFBB Mr. USA title and then the AAU Mr. America competition in 1979. "I was still using amphetamines, and that use, in association with the series of traumas, did something to my mind that I'm fairly clear about today, although these things are very complex. Ray Mentzer (August 3, 1953 June 12, 2001) born in Philadelphia was the 1976 Junior Mr. America, 1978 IFBB Mr. USA and was winner of the 1979 AAU Mr. America competition. Then he found he was actually progressing better than before. According to the prosecution, the deal began to come apart when Greenberger felt she was being cut out of the profits. Tragically, Ray died just 2 days later, after missing his kidney dialysis treatment. Radins decomposed body was found a month after his disappearance. However, things didn't progress the way Mike had hoped, and after six months, he and Jones severed their business relationship. He changed my life and my entire training routine. On top of this, Rays strength also increased. Ray Menzer was born in August 1953, in Pennsylvania, USA. workouts. may have contributed, there was a history of heart disease in the Mentzer family - all of them died fairly young. To compound the loss of Mike, on June 11th, at approximately 9:00 PM, Ray died in his sleep. In 1983, Ray continued training extremely hard, using various routines. The two brothers dying within 48 hours of each other shocked the bodybuilding world. B comes in). Although he was no longer under the spotlight of the bodybuilding stage, Ray kept training hard behind the curtains. Greenberger called Mentzer the murderer. 'Cotton Club' Jury Convicts 4 of Murder - Los Angeles Times In 1983, he flew to Florida in order to be trained by Arthur Jones. He is not dating anyone. 1979 IFBB Florida Pro Invitational 1st This may have been a bad move, as 2 years after the blacklisting, Mikehad virtually no income. Within a few days of leaving thehospital, he approachedGolds Gym, Venice, and convinced them to let him start up as a personal trainer. A 2012 report from the American Journal of Cardiology reviewed nearly 50 different studies looking at the effects of anabolic steroids and cardiovascular/metabolic function. Ray suffered from kidney failure caused by Berger's Disease. He was obsessed with the thought of making movies. Carrier said neither body has been examined, so the causes of death have not been determined. Ray Mentzer's net worth You just cant beat that feeling of knowing that your physique is one youve worked hard for. Noticing the appreciative stares from envious strangers, and knowing that every time you hit the gym, youre pushing the boundaries of what you once thought was impossible - makes it all worthwhile. I dont need the glory story. If you knew these seven things about lifting or bodybuilding beforehand, would you even bother walking into a gym? He dies on June 12, 2001 which was only two days after the passing of his legendary brother. He was called as a witness during the preliminary hearing but refused to testify, claiming 5th Amendment protection against self-incrimination. He was defeated by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1980 Mr. Olympia I'd read the literature on amphetamines and had never heard of any long-term physical damage, but I did know that it could possibly result in acute episodes of psychosis. Check out our guide to protein-rich foods to help you on your way - a completely new fitness level is just around the corner. In one article he said I had a fanny fetish. Ray, his brother, who is also suffering from illnesses, found him. He died from kidney failure, a complication resulting from Berger's disease in Rolling Hills, California. He was at his competitive peak in his early-30s, when "mass monsters" dominated bodybuilding, and he claimed to eat up to seven pounds of red meat per day at his biggest. 1979 IFBB Night of Champions 3rd Ray was troubled by this because he knew his brother had heart problems, and didnt want him to overtax his body. The Cotton Club project began after Greenberger introduced Radin to Hollywood filmmaker Robert Evans, who was then her boyfriend. In enthusiastic tones Mike told me he looked forward to celebrating his 50th birthday in November. And would these competitors have lived much longer without using them? As I listened during that fateful May 2001 phone call I couldnt help but think the effusive fast-talking Mike was in the middle of a productive genius phase. But the big question is, are preexisting conditions made worse by excessive drug use? Bullshit. I need he steroid routine. He is currently single. Life isnt without hardships, and no matter how difficult things may seem or how far from the path you have strayed, you can always turn things around. This was met with anger from many contestants, including Mentzer. Heres what Bill said about Ray and Mike; Mike and Ray Mentzer used to write to me when they were young kids back in Pennsylvania. But you watch. WebNationality: American. The fact that anabolic steroids were finding their way into gyms in the 1960s was no coincidence. Thanks for the articles, Mike Mentzer Lives! On Tuesday, June 12th, Ray was found dead in the same house in which his brother died. Ray Mentzers income source is mostly from being a successful . It was a crushing blow. Greenberger had been accused of hiring Mentzer, Marti and Lowe to kill Radin because she feared she was being cut out of a producers role--and profits--in the movie The Cotton Club, a film about a Harlem speak-easy that was a critical and financial flop. At 48 years old, Ray Mentzer height not available right now. Mikes story is one of tragedy, but also of redemption and dedication. It seemed the curtain had come crashing down in tragic Shakespearian style on Mike Mentzers last act and his name would fade into just a footnote on 20, 2013 NPC Steve Stone New York Metropolitan, 2013 NPC National Bodybuilding Championships, 2014 NPC Steve Stone New York Metropolitan, Myostatin, Creatine and Wine - But Not All at Once, Physicians and Bodybuilders - Satellite Cells. While hospitalized it was discovered that he had experienced two silent heart attacks, wherein the victim is unaware theres a problem. ", Even though he felt he was at his best and had no knowledge of the controversy to come, Mike told me in 1993 that he had made up his mind that the 1980 Mr. Olympia would be his last contest: Trying to be the best built man in the world demands total seriousness, but in essence the seriousness and the ambition involved is a little silly., To find out what went down at the 1980 Mr. Olympia including the near fist fight between Mentzer and Schwarzenegger click on http://www.musculardevelopment.com/team-md-blogs/the-mcgough-report/11982-mentzer-vs-arnie.html#.U47ZXCh93oD, In the wake of his fifth place finish at 1980 Mr. Olympia contest, Mike Mentzer's career began to fragment. He was the brother of fellow bodybuilder Ray Mentzer. He was 225 pounds, And more cut than I'd ever been. He wrote that he was falling short of top spot so decided to give it up. Ray was also a successful bodybuilder, winning the USA tall class title in 1978 and the AAU Mr. America overall in 1979. In fact, Rays workouts would last no longer than 45 minutes. Greatest Physiques is the number 1 destination for the best looking bodies on the planet. One of the greatest of all time in my opinion. We have estimated Forced negatives did the same. Prior to his career at The Times, Dunn worked at the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong, the Danbury News-Times in Connecticut and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Eight years after the bullet-riddled body of New York impresario Roy Radin was found in a dry creek bed near Gorman, a jury Monday found onetime drug dealer and would-be Hollywood deal-maker Karen Greenberger and three bodyguards guilty of murder and kidnaping in what became known as the Cotton Club murder. Mikes form would be kept absolutely perfect. Id answer them back. [1] Ray's brother, Mike Mentzer won the rival IFBB Mr. America in 1976 during Ray's Junior title. There was a strain and tension in the air all the way through. He started dieting in February for the October contest. He was a proponent of heavy duty training along with Mike and although retiring from competition in 1982, carried on training to the heavy duty high intensity principles. 7 Things No One Tells You Before You Start Lifting, Tip: Avoid Xenoestrogens and Phytoestrogens, Tip: Surround Yourself With These 5 People. We don't have much information about He's past relationship and any previous engaged. 21 Bodybuilders Who Died of Heart Attack Fitness Volt Coupled with an overwhelming amount of calories he ate, Ray soon reached the 250lbs mark of weight. In a career that spanned over three decades, he was one of bodybuildings most prominent, inspirational and controversial figures. On May 13, 1983, Radin and Greenberger were on their way to dinner to work out their problems. When he signed my book I was in AWE! As Mike puts it in his book Heavy Duty: The fact that muscle is only 22 percent protein suggests that our protein requirements are not nearly that high. This routine was based on doing 6-9 reps per set at the maximum weight he could lift. Though the football players were, not surprisingly, associated with significantly higher rates of neurological and musculoskeletal disease. 1971 AAU Mr. America 10th Nice article, but there is a huge mistake in the compilation of Mike Mentzers bodybuilding achievements segment (despite Rudolpfh Plizetskaias attempt to rectify it) ; in 1978, Mentzer won the IFBB Mr. Universe in Acapulco, Mexico with the first and only perfect 300 score. Joe Weider rehired Mike in the fall of that year, but after six months, Mentzer left to assume the editorship of. After making funeral arrangements for his brother, Ray Mike would often keep his training week down to 3 working days with 4 for rest. As reported at some length in the June 14th, 2001 edition of the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles County coroner's office is currently investigating the deaths of bodybuilding brothers Mike and Ray Mentzer, who died within two days of each other. John understands quite a bit about the power of ideas and the way they work in the mind. For the record, we now know Arnold was terrific when Ray fell ill and offered his personal help and support. He previously served as assistant managing editor in charge of California news. In 1999, Ray discovered he had kidney problems. Mike offered to be a donor to his sibling who had won the 1979 Mr. America, before it was discovered that he had serious heart problems, which precluded him from being a candidate. Cotton Club' Jury Convicts 4 of Murder Died from multiple organ failure in 1996, age 32. Ray Mentzer (August 3, 1953 June 12, 2001) was the 1976 Junior Mr. America, 1978 IFBB Mr. USA and was winner of the 1979 AAU Mr. America competition. But the next morning, he was back to "being a productive genius. 2023 Greatest Physiques. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? It was me that was out of control, not everybody and everything else. confirmed that Arnold Schwarzenegger had a year before Mikes death called Mike to enquire about Ray Mentzers health problems, and had offered assistance. cycle, and energy level (where Vit. PowerPoint Presentation 1971 Mr. Lancaster 1st The weight would be so heavy that by the 9th rep, Ray would reach failure. He was a proponent of heavy duty training along with Mike and although retiring from competition in 1982, carried on training to the heavy duty high intensity principles. "Editing Workout was one of the most enjoyable things I've ever done," Mike claims. 1978 IFBB USA vs the World 1st (HW) What REALLY caused Mentzer's death? - Bodybuilding.com However, Mentzer was just getting warmed up. There was a strain and tension in the air all the way through.. He always knew what he wanted and worked hard for it. We cover professional athletes, models and even social media stars to bring you the very best, up to date information in our profiles. No, not every pro has had issues. As he waited for the kidney transplant, Ray discovered that his brother Mike had serious heart issues which led to Mikes death on June 10th, 2001. A case of riseand fall. "It lasted 18 months, and every day of that period I had the same commitment and ambition I'd had in preparing for the 1980 Mr. Olympia. I always admired Mike Mentzer and knew from my own experience that his training philosophy had great validity. Three months after his death, it was found that Ray and Mike Mentzer were probably the most legendary bodybuilding brothers of all time. Noticing the appreciative stares from envious strangers, and knowing that every time you hit the gym, youre pushing the boundaries of what you once thought was impossible - makes it all worthwhile.