Female US bodybuilder dies suddenly days after her 41st birthday as fans reveal 'disbelief'
Christina Bitner, who was also known as an avid baker, passed away on Sunday, July 13.
At the time of her death, the Ohio-based social media star had amassed more than 95,000 followers on Instagram.
Her close friend Natalie Prescott confirmed the devastating news the next day in an emotional tribute.
'It's with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my dear friend of over 27 years,' she wrote.
'Her husband, Brent, asked me to share this heartbreaking news, knowing how many people loved her and how hard it is right now to find the words.
'We may not understand how this fits into God's plan, but what we do know is that the world lost someone truly special.
'Christina was the kind of friend everyone hopes to have genuine, kind, and full of love for the people around her. She had the biggest heart and the brightest smile.
'Our hearts are completely broken.'
Bitner, who competed in the International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB) professional league, was also a stepmother to five children.
Also known for her cake creations, remained active online until shortly before her sudden death.
Her final Instagram post, at the end of June, showcased one of her signature bakes, a towering pink cake adorned with a carousel topper, alongside the caption: 'Gorgeous baby girl cake! So precious!'
Authorities in Medina County, Ohio, confirmed her death but have yet to release an official cause.
Under state law, specific details surrounding deaths, such as names and addresses, are protected and cannot be made public without proper procedure.
Tributes have poured in from fans and fellow influencers stunned by her passing.
'I'm in total disbelief! I love Christina, she will be deeply missed,' wrote one devastated follower.
Another mourner, Kim, commented: 'I can't wrap my head around this.'
Fellow fitness influencer Anahi Rosales added: 'I woke up with my heart in pieces, praying it had all been a bad dream, but reality hit hard.'
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Scottish Sun
16 minutes ago
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How toxic feud ripped Hulk Hogan's family apart & left him ‘suicidal'…from bitter ex's abuse claim to son's tragic crash
FAMED for ripping his shirts in two and his muscle-mountain physique, the late six-time WWE champion Hulk Hogan was a legendary figure in the ring. But the staged melodrama that unfolded in front of millions of wrestling fans was nothing compared to the turbulent life he led away from the TV cameras. 18 Hulk Hogan, who died on Thursday, was married to Linda for 11 years Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 18 The family landed their own MTV reality show before the split Credit: AP 18 Their glam daughter Brooke, 37, said 'I love you' during a final call with Hulk Credit: mizzhogan/Instagram Real name Terry Gene Bollea, the brawler's family life was fraught with feuds, with even his daughter Brooke, 37, admitting they were all 'very skilled at war'. For the 16 years since his multimillion-pound divorce from his first wife Linda, 65, there was a relentless onslaught of barbed blows and furious rows that have played out in the press. Thankfully, Hulk was said to have healed the rifts in his dying days before he passed away aged 71 after suffering a cardiac arrest on Thursday morning. A source told Daily Mail the thrice-wed wrestler 'had a lot of scores to settle [and] didn't want to leave anything unsaid' as his strength and health drastically declined. Hulk 'apologised' to his daughter during a final phone call, in which she told him 'I love you' according to TMZ. It's said she is 'at peace' and felt 'lucky and grateful'. And just five days ago, ex-wife Linda, who in March dubbed him a 'sex addict' and 'liar' and claimed the left the family in the 'worst mess', seemed to have made amends too. Finally their 18-year war of words seemed to be over, as she shared a throwback Instagram photo of them together, which she captioned: 'The good old days!' Few could have predicted peacekeeper would be the final role played by Hulk before his death - and now we reveal the family feud that was crazier than a WWE storyline. Chaos erupted back in 2007 when Linda announced she was divorcing Hulk over an affair with a music producer pal of his then-teenage daughter Brooke. The break-up, which followed multiple rumours of flings, put an abrupt end to their two-year Osbournes-inspired reality show, Hogans Knows Best. Meet WWE legend Hulk Hogan's stunning wife Sky Daily, who is 25 years his junior and a yoga teacher 18 Hulk with Linda, who he was married to for 11 years Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 18 Hulk with third-and-final wife Sky earlier this year Credit: Getty Linda was furious over the fling with Christiane Plante, 33, and after initially denying it, Hulk claimed it happened when the marriage was 'irrevocably broken and over'. At the time, Brooke lashed out on social media platform MySpace claimed she would 'NEVER forget the hurt they caused" before retracting it and going in to bat for her dad. 'My dad and I had a little bit of a tiff earlier this year...I was disappointed for a minute,' she told Fox News, before launching into a series of swipes at mum Linda. Chaos reached fever pitch and the fallout would tear the family in two at what was already an exceptionally difficult time for them all. 'Horror crash' For just two months before news of the divorce, their son Nick caused a horror crash after losing control of his Toyota Supra while driving at 106mph in a 70mph zone, in August 2007. Then 17, he was admitted to hospital with minor injuries. His best pal John Graziano, 22, was left in a vegetative state after breaking his skull and suffering irreparable brain damage. In court, Nick pleaded guilty to felony reckless driving in May 2008 for the collision, which saw his sportscar career off the highway and into a palm tree. He received an eight month prison sentence. Knowing their son was responsible would be heartbreaking enough but the damage was further highlighted by the mother of Graziano - then dependent on round the clock care - who said: 'I grieve the virtual loss of my son on a daily basis.' You and [inaudible] are not f***ing coming to me for help… get your ass right out of this house…Don't f***ing come back Linda Hogan TMZ reported the family would later settle out of court with the Hogans. Hulk, at the time, said his son was 'moving through life and maybe not really appreciative of things'. Perhaps insensitively, he added: 'It totally spun him in a the best thing that ever happened to him. I'm not saying it's a good thing. But it happened for a reason.' Nick, who was released after six months for good behaviour, would later admit it was 'hard to move on every day and be positive' after doing something 'so horribly devastating'. 18 Nick's Toyota Supra was a mangled mess after the crash Credit: Splash News 18 John Graziano was left with brain damage in the 2007 crash Credit: Supplied 18 Nick was jailed for after admitting reckless driving Credit: Getty 'Suicide' attempt It was a torturous time, as Hulk attested in his 2009 memoir My Life Outside The Ring, claiming he 'practically begged' a reporter not to publish the story of Nick's 2007 crash. The wrestler was suffering mentally. That year he pleaded with his wife 'please, don't file for divorce' fearing the crash plus their split would 'make us look like the Britney Spears family', according to the Daily News. Hulk also revealed that, while presenting the American remake of Gladiators, he downed a cocktail of Xanax and rum in a bid to end his life in early 2008. He claimed to have reached for a gun and put his finger on the trigger when he received a call from his concerned co-host Laila Ali, daughter of legendary boxer Muhammad. She noticed Hulk 'looking distracted at work' amid the divorce and his son's crash. In the wrestler's book, he credited her with saving his life. 18 Linda Hogan moved on with toyboy Charley Hill one month after the divorce was announced Credit: Getty 18 Hulk was a six-time WWE champion Credit: Splash Amid that turmoil in 2008, Brooke moved to Miami to escape the drama and attempt to launch her singing career as was documented in her spin-off TV show Brooke Knows Best. It was claimed Hulk spent 'probably over $3m' trying to make her a star, which may have aided in her vehement support of her famously over-protective dad. Toyboy row That was never more apparent than in the release of her scathing July 2009 song Dear Mom… just a week before the Hogan divorce was finalised. In the track, she exploded at Linda alleging she was a drug addict, which she refuted, and shared a recording of her mum kicking her out of the family home. In the lyrics, she complains: 'Get outta my way; Stressing me out; …It's all this s*** I can't take' and took swipes at her mum's toyboy lover Charley Hill, then 19 while she was 48. They started dating just a month after Linda filed for divorce from Hulk and Brooke clearly sided with her dad, labelling her mum's teen lover 'the epitome of losers'. 'Smokin' all your cares away and having a play date,' Brooke sang in one lyric, alleging drug use and mocking the romance's near 30-year age gap. It would lead to a furious clapback from Linda's lawyer, who claimed: 'Brooke is Hulk's only remaining mouthpiece and a pawn in his game of control.' My family is very skilled at war Brooke Hogan Brooke's 2009 track also featured a recorded argument where Linda said: 'You and [inaudible] are not f***ing coming to me for help… get your ass right out of this house…Don't f***ing come back.' The divorce settlement stung Hulk hard, with him losing 70 per cent of their liquid assets, their £2.23m Florida home and 40 per cent of his ongoing business takings. It would lead to further barbs between the two of them in memoirs. In 2009, Hulk accused Linda of being an abusive alcoholic, who threatened to beat their son with a wine bottle. She denied it and two years later alleged he 'tore my shirt… threw lamps… slammed doors, pounded walls' and pinned her down with 'his hands around my throat' in her 2011 book. 'I was always afraid he would kill me in one of his rages,' she wrote in Wrestling The Hulk. The claims led to him file a lawsuit, which was dismissed in 2012. 'It's just so crazy to hear…' he fired back. 'If you're going to say I'm something that I'm not to try to ruin my career and my livelihood… I have to answer her back.' Sex tape scandal Tensions further escalated when Hulk's sex tape with Heather Cole, secretly filmed by her US radio host husband Bubba the Love Sponge Clem, was published by Gawker Media. The 2012 video later resulted in a £23m payout that bankrupted the company. Three years later, a mystery source released a damning recording from it. 18 Hulk with son Nick in 2009 after his six-month prison stint Credit: Splash 18 Hulk with second with Jennifer McDaniel, who he divorced in 2021 Credit: Getty 18 Linda, now 65, launched into a bitter attack on him online in March Credit: mizzhogan/Instagram It heard Hulk engage in an expletive and racism filled rant, including multiple uses of the N-word, about his daughter's then-boyfriend. It led to his WWE contract being terminated. 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"Each individual, on their own, has given me more than enough reasons over the years to make this extremely hard and painful decision to end contact.' 18 Linda's vitriolic rant upset Brooke Credit: Supplied 18 Brooke hit back with an attack on her parents Credit: Supplied Near-death plea Prior to this public spat, the last time Brooke spoke to her dad was in 2023 when she urged him 'to slow down and enjoy life, but Hulk didn't want to hear it' according to TMZ. It was said she 'expressed deep love and concern' on the call but he didn't take kindly to her encouraging him to stop 'working so hard given his declining health'. Brooke's husband Steven Oleksy, an NHL player who she wed in 2022, reportedly 'made multiple efforts to mend the relationship' over the years to no avail. They included him reaching out after his wife nearly died while giving birth to their twins, Molly and Oliver, in January this year. 18 The family used to be the focus of reality show Hogan Knows Best 18 Brooke shared a screenshot proving the date she and her husband saw Linda in 2023 Credit: mizzhogan/Instagram 'Hulk responded coldly and never made an effort to meet Brooke's kids,' TMZ wrote. 'Our sources say he ultimately only wanted a relationship with her under his terms.' But more recently, it's claimed the frost thawed. In April, sources told the Daily Mail that Hulk was 'heartbroken' over the feud with Brooke and 'would love someday to rectify that'. They claimed he was 'looking to make up for past bad decisions', that he was ready to listen and finally wanted to 'make amends and help rather than hurt'. The change of heart came amid rumours of the 71-year-old's declining health. In May, he had an operation on his neck and earlier this month, a pal claimed: 'I don't know if we'll ever see Hogan again.' It's believed Hulk finally buried the hatchet before his death, with insiders telling TMZ that Brooke felt 'lucky and grateful' she could 'say 'I love you' during their last conversation.' They claimed he 'apologised' but 'wasn't specific for what' and added: 'She feels at peace knowing she did everything she could to protect and support him.' As for Nick, they remained 'very close' and lived near each other. And it seems even Linda made amends too, with her recent nostalgic snap. It would seem Hulk was able to repair old wounds before the final bell rang on his life - meaning his family can let the memory of this sporting giant rest in peace.
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Daily Record
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Sky Hogan shared a heartbreaking tribute to the WWE star, who she married in 2023. Hulk Hogan's wife has broken her silence in the wake of the death of the WWE icon on Thursday. Sky Daily Hogan took to Instagram on Friday to tell followers her 'heart is in pieces' as she paid tribute to the star, who she married in 2023. Hogan - real name Terry Bollea - is reported to have suffered a cardiac arrest yesterday morning. Emergency services raced to the wrestling legend's Florida home after receiving a 911 call and are reported to have treated him at the scene before moving him to hospital. Shortly later it was announced the star had died at the age of 71. The news sent shockwaves across Hollywood and the wrestling world and fans joined famous faces to pay tribute. Sky took to Instagram to add her own heartbreaking statement, which read: "I wasn't ready for this and my heart is in pieces. "He had been dealing with some health issues, but I truly believed we would overcome them. I had so much faith in his strength. I thought we still had more time. "This loss is sudden and impossible to process. To the world, he was a legend… but to me, he was my Terry. The man I loved. My partner. My heart. "Hulk loved his fans so much and despite his growing physical discomfort, he did everything he could to show up, sign autographs, take photos, and connect with the people who supported him through it all. You meant everything to him. "He was a believer in Christ, and I take comfort knowing his soul is at peace and he's been welcomed home. "Please keep his family and all of us who loved him in your prayers as we try to navigate this new reality." Fans flocked to the comments to offer words of support to the yoga teacher, 46, as one said: "I am so sorry Sky… We are going to miss him terribly." Another said: "I'm so so sorry Sky, sending love to you and your family." And one said: "I'm so sorry for your loss, it was crystal clear how much he loved you. I wish you had more time too. Now you have an Angel watching over you." It was first reported that the star had died on Thursday afternoon following claims on TMZ he had been carried out of his house on a stretcher. Police confirmed the death after a a 911 call made at 9.51am on Thursday morning local time. First responder medics were at his home in Clearwater, Florida, by 9.56am and police arrived at 10.23am. The news of Hulk's passing was was later confirmed in a statement shared on his official Instagram page. It read: "It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend. "Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones. "At this time of grief, we ask that everyone please respect the privacy of his family and friends. "May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades. "He will be missed, but never forgotten." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Earlier today we reported a medical investigation into the death of the wrestling legend has been launched by police. During a press conference on Thursday, Major Nate Burnside of the Clearwater Police Department said: "The Clearwater Police Department is conducting a medical investigation, which is standard in these types of cases. There are no signs of foul play or suspicious activity related to this call for service at this time." He also added more details about the emergency call, saying: "Just before 10 AM, Clearwater Police Department responded to a house in the 1000 block of El Dorado Avenue for a medical related call. "It was discovered at that time that Terry Bollea, also known as Hulk Hogan, was experiencing a serious medical related issue. Personnel provided medical treatment at that time and transported Mr. Bollea to Morton Plant Hospital, where he died at 11:17 AM." Shortly after the tragedy, WWE released a statement announcing the news, reading: "WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. "One of pop culture's most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan's family, friends, and fans."
