Bodybuilder Dave Draper Dies at 79

Dave Draper

Legendary Bodybuilder Dave Draper died on Tuesday with his wife by his side and cause of death unknown. His wife,Lauree Draper shared the sad news on Facebook. She wrote;

“Hi, friends, as the word’s getting out, I wanted to let you know so there’s no confusion. Dave died early this morning,” she said. “I was with him and it was calm and peaceful. It, as his doctor told me a little while ago, was a good death.”

Dave Draper and Arnold Schawzenegger

Former bodybuilder and actor, Arnold Schwarzenegger shared a tribute with a black and white photo of Draper,calling him an inspiration. He wrote;

‘Dave Draper was an inspiration to millions of people all over the world, including me. He was one of my idols. In Austria, I kept his cover of Muscle Builder magazine on the wall above my bed for motivation, and when I saw him starring in “Don’t Make Waves”, I thought, “My dreams are possible.”

‘When I got to America and finally met Dave, I learned his heart was as big as his pecs. He even hand-built my first furniture when I moved to Santa Monica, and let me tell you, he was talented. Can you imagine meeting your idol and becoming his training partner and traveling all over the world together? I was in heaven.’

‘He was an amazing writer and a great family man,’ Arnold stated.

Dave Draper

‘I will miss the Blond Bomber, but his memory will always be with me. My thoughts are with Laree and the whole family.’

Draper won Mr. America title in 1965 and Mr. Universe in 1966. May his soul rest in peace.

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