Professional bodybuilding star Kevin Gebhardt was found dead in his apartment mere weeks after what he called a “serious” knee surgery.
Knewz.com has learned that a cause of death is yet to be established.
The incident leading up to the operation occurred in April 2024, when he had an “accident with a bulldog” and tore a muscle in his right leg.
He then received corrective surgery in Munich, a city 390 miles from his home in Bochum.
Gebhardt posted photos to Facebook on April 2023 of his right leg in a brace and another of the stitched-up incision with the caption: “Time heals all the breaks!”
“I can't really believe it yet! Nevertheless, thanks to Dr. Julian Mehl for the quick help and perfect operation. Possibly the best in all of Germany when it comes to the knee/leg area,” he noted.
The tributes flowed in with those who knew him paying their respects on the same post.
“He died, does anyone know what happened.....oh poor poor man, he was a great man, so nice...I'm so sorry....my condolences to his family,” said one of his friends on Facebook.
“R.I.P. Didn't know him personally, I followed him and am friends with a relative of his, found out today during the day, so sad,” wrote another.
Iconic bodybuilding coach, Milos Sarcev was a close friend of Gebhardt’s and posted a tribute of his own on social media saying:
“We have lost another brother of iron, way too early. Last night I was informed that my former athlete Kevin Gebhardt was found dead in his apartment in Germany.”
“I knew Kevin since 2018, his amateur days…Helped him win the Pro card (same year) and guided him ON and OFF for several pro shows.”
“He made the trip to Las Vegas to finally train with me - exactly a year ago…after training with @thedorianyates in Spain as well,” Milos wrote next to a picture of himself and the late Gebhardt on his Instagram account.
“He was planning to compete in Alicante and Portugal shows last year, but upon returning home he decided not to compete...”
“That was the last time I heard from him. Sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. He was a super sweet person, super passionate about bodybuilding, and very hard worker. I am devastated with the news and very sad for his girlfriend and his family. May he rest in peace.”
Gebhardt was an accomplished bodybuilder and appeared on stage for the first time at the age of 18.
He won the Junior Championships first in his home country, Germany, and then dominated on the global scene when he scooped a bronze medal at a competition in Warsaw.
Gebhardt then won the heavyweight contest at a fitness festival in Prague where he also received the International Fitness Body Building Pro Card.
Thereafter, he worked as a coach in the sphere, and started an online food and beverage brand.
According to the Bild, the last time Gebhardt competed professionally was three years before his death.