Dwayne Quamina, a Navy veteran and Mr. Olympia competitor known to bodybuilding fans as “King Q,” has died at 40, just weeks after urging followers in a haunting social media message to “stop taking life for granted.”
Quamina, who was born in Trinidad and Tobago, died suddenly on Sunday, according to the Trinidad Express. His death came only days after he placed sixth at this year’s Atlanta Pro bodybuilding competition.
Officials have not yet disclosed a cause of death.
Based in California, Quamina spent more than 10 years serving in the U.S. Navy before shifting his focus to competitive bodybuilding in 2016.
“As a veteran, when I got out, the sense of brotherhood is often missed,” he said during a bench press event in El Centro last year.
Competing in the 212-pound division, Quamina built a respected career on the pro circuit. He captured the lightweight title at the 2016 NPC USA Championships and later won at the 2017 Europa Phoenix Pro.
He went on to compete at the 2018 Mr. Olympia, where he finished 10th. After taking time away from the sport, Quamina returned last year and made an immediate impact, placing third at the Chicago Pro.
Quamina, who is survived by his wife, Leah, and their children, said he was “very happy with [the] package” he brought to the Atlanta Pro — the final competition of his life.
He was also an online coach, offering motivational tips to his 100,000 social media followers.
“Stop taking life for granted go all the way and have zero regrets when it’s all over!!” he wrote on Instagram on July 28.
“Stop negotiating with your potential!” he said in another tip. “Some of the most powerful words I’ve ever heard.”
“Who do you want to become? Once you figure that out all that’s left is to go out and become,” he captioned a video of himself working out in the gym.
Quamina’s rivals have led the touching tributes to the strongman.
“We shared some awesome memories both on and off the stage,” bodybuilder Shaun Clarida wrote.
“It’s absolutely tragic. We competed together just a week ago at the Atlanta Pro. It’s hard to believe he’s gone,” muscleman Karol Małecki Ale Lekkie said.
“Dwayne Quamina was so much more than a name—he was a devoted father, a loving husband, a loyal friend, a proud veteran, and a fitness champion who inspired those around him through his strength, dedication, and determination,” his pal Keri Valdez said.
“Dwayne was a loving yet fierce man, someone who protected and provided for his family while uplifting others with his presence, kindness, and unwavering spirit. His loss has left an unimaginable void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.”
