Bodybuilding champion and former Mr Universe dies aged 57 on Spanish island as tributes are paid to 'legend of the sport'

Published: 15:02, 6 July 2026 | Updated: 15:09, 6 July 2026 Tributes have begun flooding in for the bodybuilding champion and former Mr Universe Antonio Hernandez Torres, who passed away at 57 in Tenerife. His death was confirmed by a neighbourhood association on the holiday island in a social media post yesterday evening. The association covering the area where he lived and had a well-known gym, La Verdellada, said: 'It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear neighbour Jose Antonio Hernandez Torres, better known as Jocha, six-time Spanish Champion and Overall Champion of the Netherlands in bodybuilding. Mr Universe 2004 and Spanish Boxing Champion. 'With over 40 years' experience in sport, as well as his entrepreneurial endeavours with his famous gym, we have lost the most internationally decorated sportsman in the history of La Verdellada-Barrio Nuevo. 'We wish to convey our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and friends.' It was not immediately clear what lay behind the death of the six-time champion in Spain, better known by his nickname of Jocha, who would have been 58 next month. His funeral was scheduled to take place today. Tributes have begun flooding in for the bodybuilding champion and former Mr Universe Antonio Hernandez Torres, who passed away at 57 at his home in Tenerife It was not immediately clear what lay behind the death of the six-time champion in Spain , better known by his nickname of Jocha, who would have been 58 next month  Police officer Alejandro Mena, who competed with him years ago, reacted to the sad news by saying: 'It is with deep sadness that I have received the sad news of the passing of my great friend Juan Antonio 'Jocha' Hernandez. 'I had the privilege of competing alongside him at the Spanish Championships held in Leon in 1989. 'That year, Jocha was crowned overall champion and I had the honour of finishing as runner-up. 'Beyond the results, I will always remember him as a wonderful person, an excellent friend and a role model for all of us who love bodybuilding. 'His humility, camaraderie and passion for this sport left an indelible mark on all of us who were lucky enough to know him. 'I would like to express my deepest condolences to his entire family and loved ones. May God keep him in His glory and grant him eternal rest.' Jose Carlos added: 'A fitting farewell to a wonderful person – we'll always remember you, Jocha. 'You'll always have a place in my heart. A great man and a wonderful person.' The Spanish Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation said: 'We share the grief of Jocha's family and friends. Rest in peace friend.' Jose Maria Garcia wrote: 'A legend of our sport. One of the first Spaniards who, in the 1980s, was on a par with the world's best, representing our country at various international events. 'We will always admire him. We mourn his passing and wish to express our condolences to his family at this difficult time.' In July last year a Spanish female bodybuilder died aged just 37 after suffering a suspected heart attack. Lorena Blanco, who was preparing to take part in Ms Olympia in Las Vegas in October, was taken to hospital after collapsing at her home in Lugo in Spain's north-west Galicia region. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Lorena, who worked out at a sports club in her native city called the Club Fluvial de Lugo, was trained by her husband Isi Bolanos who is also well-known in the bodybuilding world. In May 2024 a Majorcan bodybuilder who survived cancer and life-threatening peritonitis died aged 50. Xisco Serra's premature death was attributed locally at the time to natural causes after he suffered stomach problems. The sports science graduate, who started lifting weights as a 16-year-old, began competing three decades ago and went on to take part in around 90 contests. His most notable wins on the international stage included Mr World IBFA in Rome in 2011 and Mr Universe IBFA in the 40-plus category in 2014, the same year he was voted overall Musclebeach Champion after competing in Venice, California.