Former Mr Universe bodybuilder Shaun Davis has passed away at the age of 57. His bodybuilding career saw him win a string of titles, including Mr Britain and Mr Europe, before being named Mr Universe in 1996. Subway reported. Mr. Davis, who hails from Derbyshire, in eastern England, weighed in at the height of his Mr. Universe success as much as 151 kg and earned the title 'Dinosaur'. However, multiple health problems, including kidney problems, forced him to end his career prematurely.
Notably, he received dialysis three times a week before receiving a kidney transplant in 2009, after a three-year wait. In his battle against health problems, he had urged the British to join the donor register after his kidney failure ordeal. In a 2009 interview, Mr. Davis said, “It's dawning on me, since the transplant, that more and more people are desperate for kidneys. There are people dying waiting for kidneys.”
The exact cause of his death has not been revealed. Following the tragic news, several tributes poured in for him on social media.
His close friend Kuldeep Bhardwaj wrote on Facebook: 'I have just received devastating news from Helen Burrows regarding the passing of my friend Shaun Davis. I'm devastated. Rest in peace my friend. You were a true inspiration from the day I met you at school, through your amazing bodybuilding years and beyond. Your smile and laughter will be missed.”
In his honour, councilor Richard McRae said: 'RIP Shaun Davis, a very well known and respected gentleman who certainly put Long Eaton on the map. Shaun was Mr Universe in 1996. He was also Mr. UK, Mr. Britain, Mr. Europe and Mr. Pro Universe.”
RIP Shaun Davis, a very well known and respected gentleman who certainly put Long Eaton on the map.
Shaun was Mr. Universe in 1996. He was also Mr. UK, Mr. Britain, Mr. Europe and Mr. Pro Universe. pic.twitter.com/hpAn20rC8t
— Cllr Richard MacRae (@CllrRichMacRae) December 1, 2023
Another fan wrote: 'He was an absolute top guy, a real gentle giant. He used to have time for everyone. I loved playing football on a Sunday afternoon with the boys in the classroom! I will be greatly missed by many people!!
The late bodybuilder is survived by his partner Helen Burrows and their daughter.