26-Year-Old Mr. Olympia Bodybuilder Dies After Apparently Choking On Food

Bodybuilder Dallas "Big Country" McCarver, who placed eighth in last year's Mr. Olympia competition, was pronounced dead at a Florida hospital after apparently choking on food. TMZ reports that McCarver's girlfriend, WWE star Dana Brooke, spoke to the 26-year-old over the phone shortly before a friend found him unconscious in his home around midnight on Aug. 22.

Brooke believes McCarver choked on his food, because before they got off the phone he told her he was about to make dinner. Though this hasn't been confirmed, there were no signs of foul play. 

Earlier this year, McCarver had a health scare when he collapsed on stage during pre-judging at a competition in Australia, according to Muscle Insider. He had apparently been battling an upper respiratory infection that turned into bronchitis, leaving him unable to breathe.

"Dallas was an exceptional body builder, but I didn't see him for that," Brooke wrote on Instagram. "I saw him for him and his heart!! ... You were my life, you are my life, I still smell u and feel ur presence."

Hours before his passing, the 6-foot-1-inch, 300-pound McCarver posted a video of himself chest pressing dumbbells to his Instagram page. It has been viewed over 1.2 million times, and the comments section is flooded with condolences.

Another young female bodybuilder recently passed after consuming an excessive amount of protein from shakes, supplements, and other protein-heavy foods. She too was found unconscious in her apartment, but was declared brain-dead by doctors two days later.

Though McCarver's death does not appear to be directly related to bodybuilding or any peculiarities of his diet, there are some major drawbacks to consuming too much protein.