Who was Shaun Davis and how did the former Mr Universe die?
MR Universe bodybuilder Shaun ”Dinosaur” Davis has passed away at the age of 57.
Here we take a look at who Shaun Davis was, how he died, and what tributes have been paid to the bodybuilding champion following his death.
Who was Shaun Davis?
Shaun Davis, also nicknamed ”Dinosaur” was a bodybuilder and Mr Universe title winner from from Long Eaton in Derbyshire.
During his career, Davis won the Mr Universe title in 1996, before health problems forced him into retirement.
Davis weighed a whopping 334lbs at the height of his Mr Universe success.
The late bodybuilder is survived by his partner Helen Burrows and their daughter.
How did Shaun Davis die?
It is unclear of the cause of Shaun Davis’ death.
Although yet to be confirmed, prior to his passing, the Mr Universe winner was forced to retire from the sport as a result of kidney problems.
He received dialysis three times a week before receiving a kidney transplant in 2009, following a three-year wait.
Davis also once urged Brits to sign up to the transplant donor register after a kidney failure ordeal.
During a 2009 interview, Davis said: “It really hammers it home, since the transplant, that more and more people are desperate for kidneys.
“There are people out there who are dying waiting for kidneys.”
The bodybuilder added how his daughter wrote a letter thanking Father Christmas for his new kidney.
He said: “That broke me to tears because she’s been praying for a kidney for her daddy.
“She asked for one last Christmas and it didn’t come.”
What tributes have been made to Shaun Davis?
Following the tragic news of his death, those close to the bodybuilder have shared their condolences, with some friends left ”absolutely devastated”.
Tributes poured in for the champion, with Helen also sharing a snap of the couple on the social media platform Facebook.
Local councillor Richard McRae said: “RIP Shaun Davis, a very well-known and respected gentleman who most definitely put Long Eaton on the map.
“Shaun was Mr Universe in 1996. He was also Mr. UK, Mr. Britain, Mr. Europe and Mr. Pro Universe.”
Close friend Kuldeep Bhardwaj said: “Just received terrible news from Helen Burrows the passing of my friend Shaun Davis.
“I’m absolutely devastated. Rest in Peace my friend.
“You were a true inspiration right from the day I met you at school, through your amazing bodybuilding years and after.
“Your smile and laughter will be missed.”
Others have paid tribute to the late bodybuilder across social media, with one writing: ”Rip Shaun ”The Dinosaur” Davis”.
A second penned: ”Rip Shaun Davis,” while a third said: ”Very sad, sending my condolences, when we met him he was a super nice guy.”