Dawn Whitham dead at 57 – Bodybuilder dies after brain cancer battle as loved ones pay tribute to ‘toughest warrior’
BODYBUILDING star Dawn Whitham has died following a battle with cancer.
The former powerlifting ace, 57, passed away on February 14, a statement on her Facebook page said.
A cause of death has not been revealed but the star battled stage four brain cancer for months.
Whitham, from Connecticut, frequently documented her battle with the illness on social media.
In November, she revealed that she was getting treatment at a cancer center in New Haven.
At the time, she said she was: “Kicking butt [and] staying positive.”
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Whitham revealed that she had put weight on and was about to start "hitting" her gym at home.
Tributes have been paid to Whitham following her death.
One person said she was "such a fighter and an inspiration to many."
And, another fan posted: "What a warrior Dawn was. Her artistic flair with excellence I have always admired."
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A third mourner said: "So much love and respect for you Dawn.
"Rambo always and forever. You inspired so many people in this life and will in the next."
Whitham won the heavyweight division at the NPC Atlantic States Championship in 1992, Generation Iron reported.
And, in 2005, she came second in the heavyweight class at the Atlantic States Championship.
The sportswoman was also known for her powerlifting accolades.
In one competition, she completed an impressive 405-pound squat for six reps.
She also recorded sets of 32 reps on a 185-pound bench press.
Whitham's death is the latest tragedy to hit the sport of bodybuilding.
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Last month, Amy Richardson died at the age of 49 after battling ill health.
Her passing came just weeks after she battled pneumonia.