Champion bodybuilder Chad McCrary who continued competing after snapping spine in horror accident dies aged 49

A CHAMPION bodybuilder who continued to compete following a horror accident has died at the age of 49.

Chad McCrary snapped his spine in a motoring accident almost twenty years ago, but pursued bodybuilding in a wheelchair.

The strongman competitor, from Texas, had started competing in 2000, five years before his accident.

Then an attempt to perform a long triple jump in cross-country motorcycle racing went tragically wrong in and left him paraplegic.

Just six months after he decided to reenter bodybuilding competitions while competing in the wheelchair division.

McCrary had finished in the top 10 at the prestigious 2022 Mr Olympia bodybuilding competition.

He won several impressive championships throughout his career, including first place at the Heart of Texas Heavyweight competition.

The athlete also bagged first place at the Lone Star State and Arkansas State Championships.

His death was confirmed by fitness page Bisandtris, which said he died on January 2.

The post did not reveal a cause of death, but read: "It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Chad McCrary.

"Throughout his career, Chad won multiple NPC shows and eventually made his way to the prestigious Mr. Olympia stage.

"He was even invited to compete at the upcoming 2024 Arnold Classic.

"My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, his friends, and his loved ones.

"Rest in Peace, Chad."

The bodybuilder's brother Lance McCrary paid a heartfelt tribute to him and said: “Chad was a very motivated and strong-willed man.

"I will forever hold him close to my heart.

"He will continue to live on through me and in the lives of everyone he touched.

"He loved the bodybuilders he competed with.”

Someone paid tribute to the athlete under the post announcing his death, writing: "Truly a great champion, you won’t ever be forgotten, RIP."

Another wrote: "Rest in peace champ."

McCrary's social media said he worked as a motivational speaker - and was a former paramedic.

He also appeared to have training in sports and emergency medicine, was a qualified private pilot and a personal trainer.

It comes just days after another champion bodybuilder died aged just 51 after suffering complications from a heart transplant.

Matt McLaughlin's death was confirmed by longtime friend Kevin McGaunn - who hailed him as a "generous and caring person" in a touching tribute.