Former Professional Bodybuilder Dead At 57

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Aug 15, 2025 12:34 PM ET

In a year that has already seen several beloved bodybuilders pass away, we must sadly add another to the list.

Earlier this week, multiple outlets announced that title-winning IFBB bodybuilder Craig Licker passed away at the age of 57. The cause of his death has not yet been announced.

"We're saddened to report the passing of IFBB Pro Craig Licker. Craig turned pro in 1994 at the NPC Nationals (winning the Middleweight title) and would go on to compete professionally twice in 2015. He was also a top salesman years ago for @speciesnutrition," RxMuscle shared on Instagram.

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He was a well-respected competitor and a good friend.

Fellow retired bodybuilder Dave Palumbo reflected on Licker's passing, calling him a lifelong friend and highlighting some of his achievements on the competitive bodybuilding scene.

"I met Craig back in 1995 and started coaching him soon after… and ultimately that developed into a lifelong friendship. Craig had a really gifted structure and discipline for bodybuilding. If you told him to eat dirt; he’d ask you 'how many (ounces)?'

"He earned his IFBB Pro card during an era where very few pro cards were awarded… he dominated the super competitive middleweight class at the 1994 NPC Nationals (the year Paul DeMayo won the HW and Overall)… and struggled to place well in the pro ranks in a time before the 212 division was formed.

"Craig and I both were BMW fanatics .. he had a tuned-to-the-max BMW M3 and I had an M5… we spent ludicrous amounts of money on upgrading our cars and we’d race each other and talk 'car shop' all the time

Professional bodybuilders pose on stage during a competition at the Arnold Classic Brazil 2015 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on May 30, 2015. The 3rd annual multi-disciplinary sports competition is named after Austrian-American actor, politician and former bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger. AFP PHOTO / YASUYOSHI CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP via Getty Images)YASUYOSHI CHIBA/Getty Images

"Craig also worked as a salesman in the New England area for Species Nutrition in 2012-13
I will miss our always interesting conversations and his great sense of humor … RIP my friend!"

Licker would make his IFBB debut in 1995, competing in multiple major competitions. He took some significant time off from competing but re-emerged in the sport in 2015, finishing well in competitions in Chicago and Tampa.

Our hearts go out to Licker's family and loved ones.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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