Shock in bodybuilding world as King Q dies weeks after Atlanta Pro
Conmoción swept the bodybuilding community as Dwayne Quamina, known in the sport as King Q”, died suddenly on Sunday 16 August 2026, just six days after competing in the Lenda Murray Atlanta Pro. He was 40 years old and the cause of death has not been disclosed.
Final competition and result
The Atlanta Pro, officially the Lenda Murray Atlanta Pro, featured a Men’s 212 category in which Quamina placed sixth. He finished behind Juan Aleman, Marco Ruz, Cody Drobot, Charleston Cornish and Muzi Maluleke. The New York Post reported that Quamina said he was “very happy with the package” he brought to the event, which turned out to be his final show.
Five days before his death, Quamina posted on Instagram: “If it were easy, everyone would do it. The best quality you can have is the ability to get up and try again, no matter how many times it takes. Look what’s coming!” Earlier, on 28 July, he shared another message urging followers to “stop taking life for granted, go all the way and have zero regrets when it ends.” He amassed more than 114,000 Instagram followers, where he combined training videos with motivational messages such as “Stop negotiating with your potential” and “Who do you want to become? Once you find out, the only thing left is to go out and become it.”
Career milestones and community response
Quamina began his professional bodybuilding career in 2016 after leaving the Marina de los Estados Unidos, where he had served for over a decade. His amateur success included winning the lightweight division at the NPC USA Championships in 2016 and repeating the triumph at the Europa Phoenix Pro in 2017, which earned him entry to the IFBB Pro League. He debuted at the Mr. Olympia in 2018, finishing tenth, his highest placement at the sport’s premier event. After a brief hiatus, he returned last year to claim third place at the Chicago Pro, confirming his competitive level remained strong.
Quamina was a native of Trinidad and Tobago and lived in California with his wife Leah Jerez and their two children. He was a veteran of the United States Navy (USA), referred to in Spanish sources as the Marina de los Estados Unidos. His wife confirmed his death publicly, describing the shock felt by the community.
Karol Małecki Ale Lekkie, a fellow competitor, called the loss “absolutely tragic” and noted they had competed together only a week earlier at the Atlanta Pro. Shaun Clarida added that they shared wonderful memories both on and off stage. Eight‑time Ms. Olympia champion Lenda Murray, whose name graces the event, expressed her thoughts and prayers for Quamina’s family.
A GoFundMe page set up to support his family described him as “a devoted father, loving husband, loyal friend, proud veteran and fitness champion who inspired those around him.” Friend Keri Valdez remembered him as a loving yet fierce man who protected and provided for his family while uplifting others with his presence, kindness and unbreakable spirit. The cause of his death remains undisclosed, leaving his wife Leah and two children grieving.