The fitness community is reeling after the sudden death of Christina Bitner, a well-known bodybuilding pro turned influencer, who passed away at just 41. Her close friend Natalie Prescott shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram on Monday, July 14.
“It’s with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my dear friend of over 27 years,” Prescott wrote alongside a series of photos, including a sweet selfie with Christina. “Christina was called home to be with the Lord today.” She said Christina’s husband, Brent, asked her to share the news, knowing how many people loved her and would be at a loss for words.
Prescott reflected on the loss with raw honesty. “We may not understand how this fits into God’s plan,” she wrote, “but the world lost someone truly special.” She described her friend as “genuine, kind, and full of love for the people around her” and said Christina had “the biggest heart and the brightest smile.”
“She truly understood what it meant to value people,” Prescott added, asking followers to keep Brent, Christina’s daughter Emily, her sister Katy, and all of their loved ones in their prayers. “Our hearts are completely broken,” she said.
Comments flooded in as soon as the news spread. “I can’t wrap my head around this,” one person wrote, while another said, “She was inspiring to all. This sucks. Big hugs to you.”
Christina wasn’t just a fitness star — she had a presence that made people feel seen. She earned her pro status in the Women’s Physique Division of the IFBB, one of the most respected bodybuilding organizations in the world. But she wasn’t just muscles and medals. Christina also ran a cake business and used her social media platform to open up about life, family, fitness, and being a stepmom to five. Nearly 100,000 people followed her journey on Instagram.
As news of her passing spread, more tributes came pouring in from friends and fellow athletes. Nat Rochner, who knew Christina through bodybuilding, posted, “We can’t make sense of it, Christina… The world lost such a special human. To know her, was to love her. Rest in paradise my sweet, beautiful friend.”
Another IFBB pro, Donnice Chow, shared throwback pictures of the two and posted a heartfelt message. “I’ll never understand the loss of beautiful souls too young,” she wrote. “This one hits hard, and regret of not keeping in better touch as we progressed in life will weigh heavy for a long time.”
There’s still no word yet on what caused Christina’s sudden passing, and for many, that only adds to the pain. But what’s clear is how deeply she touched people, both online and in real life. Through every workout video, every encouraging post, and every smile she shared, Christina Bitner made people feel stronger, seen, and supported. And now, the community she helped build is left grieving a woman who gave so much of herself to others.