A “kind and dedicated” bodybuilder has died after suffering a bleed on his pancreas aged just 52.
Daniel Oprea, who worked as a national-level bodybuilding nutritionist, passed away two days before his 53rd birthday on Sunday, 11 October.
There had initially been confusion over his cause of death, with a number of outlets reporting that he lost his life following a heart attack.
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The Romanian Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness has now clarified that he died after suffering a bleed on the pancreas.
The condition is rare and commonly associated with severe acute necrotizing pancreatitis.
As well as his national sports role, Daniel was known to the public for his work with Romanian broadcaster TVR2, presenting a show called Generation Fit. He was also a former national and Balkan champion in his own right.
On Tuesday (13 October), the federation sought to correct initial reports that Oprea had suffered a cardiac arrest, pointing to a forensic report that confirmed it was the pancreatic condition that had killed him.
After his death, the federation shared news of the tragedy through its Facebook account.
The statement read: “Today is an incredibly difficult day for our entire community. With deep sorrow in our hearts, we say goodbye to Daniel Oprea, a pillar of support and an irreplaceable colleague.
“Daniel always stood out for his rare fairness and kindness, characterized by total dedication to everything he did. A key figure in our Federation, a reliable support for each of us.
“His nobility of soul and attachment to the values of the federation left a deep imprint in the hearts of all those who had the honor of working alongside him.
“His departure leaves a huge void in our team and in the hearts of all those who cherished him.
“The Romanian Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation sends its most sincere condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones. We are with you in these difficult times.
“May God forgive him and may his soul rest in peace!”
A former student issued a touching tribute, describing him as a “special man”.
Balkan champion bodybuilder Marian Șerbănoiu wrote: “I write these lines with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart… Mr. Daniel Oprea was a special MAN, who believed in me, supported me and played an important role in my rise in bodybuilding, from national champion to Balkan champion.”
“[…] Mr. Daniel Oprea contributed to my training as an athlete and my rise to performance, and for that I will always have special respect and gratitude for him. I will give my all at the World Championships, for Romania and, in my soul, in his memory!
“Thank you for everything, Mr. Oprea Daniel! May God rest you in peace! I will not forget you!”
Romania’s National Agency for Sports added: “The National Agency for Sports expresses its deep regret over the passing of Daniel Oprea, a man dedicated to sports and a valued member of the Romanian Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness.
“We convey our sincere condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues and all those who knew and valued him. We stand with the entire Romanian bodybuilding and fitness community in these moments of deep sadness.”
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