Champion body builder, 51, dies after complications from heart transplant: Tributes flow for 'genero

A 51-year-old bodybuilder from Maine died last week after suffering for days from complications caused by a heart transplant. 

Matthew McLaughlin, the 1992 winner of the Teen National Championships in Florida, died on January 5 due to complications following a heart transplant in 2019. 

The athlete spent over 90 days at the Massachusetts General Hospital last year seeking treatment for the complications, according to his obituary. 

His funeral is set to be held on January 13 at 11am in Maine. 

Matthew McLaughlin, the 1992 winner of the Teen National Championships in Florida, died on January 5 due to complications following a heart transplant in 2019.

His funeral will be held on January 13 in the Second Christian Congregational Church in Maine

Long-time friend Kevin McGaunn, also a bodybuilder, wrote a touching Facebook tribute for McLaughlin on January 9. 

'My heart is heavy as I share the news that my dear friend Matt McLaughlin has passed away.

'It is with deep sadness that I write this to let our friends know of his passing.

'Matt was a generous and caring person who touched the lives of many. He will be greatly missed and remembered with love and respect. 

'Please keep his family in your thoughts during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Matt.'

Long-time friend Kevin McGaunn, also a bodybuilder, wrote a touching Facebook tribute for McLaughlin on January 9

His journey in bodybuilding began when he broke the weightlifting record as a student at Kennedy Junior High School

His obituary read: 'Matt was a generous friend and always willing to help his friends out. He was kind and had a great sense of humor. 

'His cardiologist described him as a gentle soul. Matt demonstrated great strength and resilience during these last few years.' 

The bodybuilder turned old toys seller was born in Boston and graduated from Woburn High School in 1990. 

His journey in bodybuilding began when he broke the weightlifting record as a student at Kennedy Junior High School. 

After graduating, he started bodybuilding full time and won his career's biggest accolade at the Teen National Championships in Florida

After retiring in 2001, McLaughlin sold vintage toys on Etsy 

After graduating, he started bodybuilding full time and won his career's biggest accolade at the Teen National Championships in Florida. 

In 1993, McLaughlin competed in the Light-Heavyweight division and won first place at the NPC North American Championships. 

He eventually qualified for the heavyweight division and ultimately retired in 2001. 

Since then, McLaughlin has sold vintage toys online 'which he took great pride in finding'. He also ran an Etsy shop for the sale of these toys. 

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