A fitness influencer has died three days after her 41st birthday.
Bodybuilder Christina Bitner, who was also a cake artist, had over 95,000 followers on Instagram at the time of her death on Sunday (13 Jul).
Her close friend Natalie Prescott confirmed the tragic news the following day.
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She said: “It’s with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my dear friend of over 27 years.
“Her husband Brent asked me to share this heartbreaking news, knowing how many people loved her and how hard it is right now to find the words.
“We may not understand how this fits into God’s plan, but what we do know is that the world lost someone truly special.
“Christina was the kind of friend everyone hopes to have genuine, kind, and full of love for the people around her. She had the biggest heart and the brightest smile.
“Our hearts are completely broken.”
Christina, who was a stepmother to five children, last posted on her Instagram page at the end of June, as reported by Need To Know.
She shared a photo of a towering pink birthday cake decorated with a carousel figurine with the message: “Gorgeous baby girl cake! So precious!”
The Justice of the Peace’s office for Medina County Precinct 4 in Ohio, US, has yet to release information about the fitness influencer’s cause of death.
In Ohio, the release of information regarding a person’s death, including names and addresses, is restricted by law.
Her passing shocked her online community.
One fan said: “I’m in total disbelief! I love Christina, she will be deeply missed.”
Kim added: “I can’t wrap my head around this.”
Fellow influencer Anahi Rosales said: “I woke up with my heart in pieces, praying it had all been a bad dream, but reality hit hard.”
As well as showing off her pastry-making skills, Christina was a member of the International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB) professional league.
She leaves behind her husband Brent and her five stepchildren.
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