Luke Sandoe was a British bodybuilder who made his pro debut at the 2017 Arnold Classic. He was considered one of the next major stars of the sport and had a legion of fans around the world. However, on May 7th, 2020, the bodybuilding world was shocked to find out that Luke Sandoe had passed away at the age of 31. His death sent shockwaves through the bodybuilding fraternity and sparked speculation and rumor about the cause of his death. Some sources close to Sandoe claimed that he had committed suicide after struggling with mental health issues. However, his family later revealed the truth about his death and asked for respect and privacy.
The Initial Reports of Suicide
Shortly after Sandoe’s death, some of his friends and training partners took to social media to express their grief and condolences. Among them was Flex Lewis, a fellow British bodybuilder and seven-time Mr. Olympia 212 champion. Lewis posted a heartfelt tribute to Sandoe on his Instagram account, where he also hinted at the cause of his death. He wrote:
“I have tried to write something several times and can’t find the words to do it. It feels like DejaVu two young men gone long before they should have. I have known Luke for over a decade we were both sponsored by Gaspari, seen him win his pro card and watch his career grow into Signing with RedCon1, Podcasts, and on stage placing 3rd at the Arnold’s- Very proud. We got closer over the years, and not a week would go by without some shit talk from him. Luke was a very funny guy and his humor I will miss. We rarely talked training, and i knew Luke was a deep guy but I never knew he was hurting. Rest Well bro.
ANYONE who feels low, with suicidal thoughts or mental illness, know your never alone and to please reach out to someone and talk, there are many professional organizations that want to help.”
Lewis’s post suggested that Sandoe had taken his own life after suffering from depression or other mental health problems. This was also confirmed by James Hollingshead, another British bodybuilder and Sandoe’s close friend and training partner. Hollingshead posted a video on his YouTube channel, where he broke down in tears and said that Sandoe had committed suicide. He also urged anyone who was feeling suicidal to seek help and not to suffer in silence
The Family’s Statement on Heart Failure
However, on August 3rd, 2020, which would have been Sandoe’s 32nd birthday, his family posted a statement on his official Instagram account, where they refuted the claims of suicide and revealed the true cause of his death. They wrote:
“There have been many dark days during the last 12 weeks. Losing Luke has left an unimaginable void in our family and we will never be the same again. Luke’s unexpected death sent shockwaves through the bodybuilding fraternity. No official cause of death was released which resulted in unfounded speculation and rumour…Please, we ask of all of you to look after yourselves. This should be even more relevant with the knowledge that we lost Luke to heart failure, not suicide. Through Luke’s podcasts, interviews, posts, videos, and appearances, he touched so many lives. Luke’s loss has not only been felt by his family and friends but by his hundreds of thousands of followers worldwide.
Our wish now is for Luke and his legacy to be respected and remembered for the extraordinary father, athlete, and human that he was.”
The family did not provide any further details on the nature or cause of Sandoe’s heart failure. However, they asked for privacy and respect from the public and the media. They also thanked everyone who had supported them and honored Sandoe’s memory.
The Legacy of Luke Sandoe
Luke Sandoe was a bodybuilder who had a passion for the sport and a talent for the stage. He started his bodybuilding journey at the age of 23, when he won his first competition, the South Coast Juniors. He then went on to win several other titles, including the UKBFF British Championships in 2015, where he earned his pro card. He made his pro debut at the 2017 Arnold Classic, where he placed 8th. He then improved his physique and his placings, reaching his best result at the 2019 Arnold Classic, where he finished 3rd behind Brandon Curry and William Bonac. He also competed at the Mr. Olympia twice, placing 11th in 2019. He was widely regarded as one of the best bodybuilders in the UK and one of the most promising prospects in the world.
Sandoe was also known for his personality and his humor. He was a regular guest on various bodybuilding podcasts and shows, where he shared his insights, opinions, and jokes. He also had his own podcast, The Size Game, where he discussed bodybuilding topics with his co-hosts Banji DeMeji and James Hollingshead. He was loved by his fans for his honesty, his charisma, and his wit.
Sandoe was also a devoted father to his two children, Louise and Leo, whom he adored. He often posted pictures and videos of them on his social media accounts, showing his affection and pride. He also had a girlfriend, who supported him throughout his career and his life.
Luke Sandoe was a bodybuilder who left a mark on the sport and on the hearts of many people. He will be remembered for his achievements, his personality, and his legacy. He will be missed by his family, his friends, and his fans. Rest in peace, Luke Sandoe.
