Bodybuilder Joe Ladnier dead at 60 as record powerlifter’s body found near abandoned truck after vanishing on Xmas Eve
MISSING bodybuilder Joe Ladnier has been found dead at 60 after a search operation in Mobile County.
Investigators said his body was discovered near a cell tower 600 ft from his parked truck.
The record-holding lifter had been missing since Christmas Eve morning on Thursday.
After his disappearance, Joe’s family grew concerned, especially because Ladnier needed to take a daily anti-rejection medication after a kidney tranasplant surgery.
After reaching out for help, a formal search operation was kicked off by Mobile County’s Sheriff department.
On Thursday, investigators found Ladnier’s red Toyota Tundra truck parked in an “abandoned driveway” in Chunchula, Alabama – a town about 20 miles away from Mobile.
Inside Ladnier’s truck, Mobile sheriff’s officials discovered a pillow, a computer bag with a laptop, some £100 in cash and an empty pistol holder.
While the investigation of the case is still ongoing, authorities have not yet indicated if the case is being treated as a homicide.
Earlier, Joe’s daughter Taylor Manning told the Sun Herald: “The family has remained strong and faithful that he will be found and returned home safely.
“We have received immense support from surrounding communities.”
Joe is survived by his family which includes his wife Lori, his 10 adult children and 14 grandchildren.
Joe Ladnier broke the powerlifting record at the USPF Men’s Senior Nationals in 1983.
The then-19-year-old lifted an astonishing 950kgs.
Besides powerlifting and bodybuilding, Joe Ladnier also served in the Navy and Law Enforcement.
Ladnier owned a gym in Hurley and worked as a fitness coach.