Daniel Gil, the 2020 grand champion of American Ninja Warrior, passed away on October 28, 2023, at the age of 30. He was one of the most popular and successful competitors on the show, having reached the national finals six times and becoming the second person ever to complete all four stages of the course. His death shocked and saddened his fans, friends, and family, who remembered him as a passionate, humble, and kind-hearted person. But what was the cause of his death? How did he die so young and unexpectedly?
A Tragic Accident
According to The Cinemaholic, Daniel Gil died in a tragic accident while training at the Iron Sports Gym in Houston, Texas. He was practicing on a new obstacle that involved swinging from a bar to a rope and then landing on a platform. However, as he swung to the rope, he lost his grip and fell to the ground, hitting his head hard. He was rushed to the hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
The Iron Sports Gym is owned by Sam Sann, a fellow American Ninja Warrior competitor and Gil’s mentor. Sann expressed his grief and sorrow over Gil’s death on Facebook, saying that he was “devastated” and “heartbroken” by the loss of his “beloved friend and brother.” He also praised Gil for his faith, talent, and character, saying that he was “a true ninja warrior in every sense of the word.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Daniel Gil was born on May 13, 1993, in Houston, Texas. He grew up in a close-knit family with four siblings and was homeschooled until high school. He loved sports and adventure from a young age and dreamed of becoming an American Ninja Warrior. He graduated from the All Nations School of Ministry with a degree in Applied Ministerial Studies and worked as a worship leader at the Dwelling Place Church.
He made his debut on American Ninja Warrior in season 7, where he broke the record for the fastest qualifying time. He continued to impress with his speed, strength, and agility in the subsequent seasons, earning the nicknames “The Kingdom Ninja” and “The Hair.” He became one of the most consistent and dominant competitors on the show, making it to the national finals every year except for season 11, when he was disqualified for touching a support structure.
In season 12, he achieved his ultimate goal of becoming the grand champion of American Ninja Warrior. He completed all four stages of the course in Las Vegas, becoming only the second person to do so after Isaac Caldiero in season 7. He also won $100,000 as the prize money for his victory.
A Loving Husband
Daniel Gil was married to his wife, Abigail Gil, since 2015. Abigail was also a fitness enthusiast and supported her husband’s ninja career. She often accompanied him to his training sessions and competitions and cheered him on. The couple shared a strong bond based on their faith and love for each other.
Abigail posted a heartfelt tribute to her husband on Instagram, saying that he was “the best thing that ever happened” to her. She also thanked him for his love, joy, and faithfulness, and said that she would always cherish their memories together. She ended her post with a quote from Philippians 1:21: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Daniel Gil cause of death was a tragic accident that cut short his life and career. He was a remarkable athlete, a devoted husband, and a faithful Christian who inspired many people with his passion and positivity. He will be dearly missed by his fans, friends, and family, who will remember him as an American Ninja Warrior legend.
