Tragedy struck the world of bodybuilding as IFBB Pro Lee Banks passed away on Thursday, February 2nd…

Tragedy struck the world of bodybuilding as IFBB Pro Lee Banks passed away on Thursday, February 2nd, 2023 at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. Banks had been suffering from a cancerous carcinoid tumor in the intestines. His wife, Lafayette Banks, confirmed the news on her official Facebook page, and an outpouring of prayers and condolences followed.^[0]

Banks had a long and successful career in bodybuilding. His journey began in 2002 when he competed in the National Physique Committee (NPC) All South Championships in the heavyweight division, where he finished sixth. Two years later he won the tournament and finished sixth in the lightweight category in 2005.^[1]

Banks found his greatest success in the Classic Physique division, where he finished runner-up in 2017 at the Chicago Pro and placed in the top ten at the 2017 Olympia. His last show was the 2019 Atlantic Coast Pro, where he finished second place.^[2]

Lee Banks’ life and career will be remembered for many years to come. His family and friends are devastated by his sudden passing and are asking for time to grieve and come to terms with their loss. With the divine grace of God, the Banks family hopes to honor the bodybuilder’s legacy and continue his service for a lifetime.

0. ““So Deeply Sorry for Your Loss”: Bodybuilding World Mourns 51-Year-Old Icon’s Death After Cancer Battle …” EssentiallySports, 6 Feb. 2023, https://www.essentiallysports.com/us-sports-news-bodybuilding-news-so-deeply-sorry-for-your-loss-bodybuilding-world-mourns-51-year-old-icons-death-after-cancer-battle/

1. “What happened to Lee Banks? Bodybuilder passes away at 51” Sportskeeda, 5 Feb. 2023, https://www.sportskeeda.com/bodybuilding/news-what-happened-lee-banks-bodybuilder-passes-away-51

2. “Bodybuilder Lee Banks Dies at 51” Generation Iron Fitness Network, 3 Feb. 2023, https://generationiron.com/lee-banks-dies/