Hayley McNeff, a highly regarded figure in the world of bodybuilding and a native of Concord, Massachusetts, died suddenly on August 8, 2025, at the age of 37. According to an obituary published on Boston.com, the death of the champion bodybuilder was “unexpected but peaceful.”
According to The New York Post, Hayley’s dad, Dave in his statement said, “Hayley was like a beam of light in this world. She had boundless energy and was very determined to achieve whatever she set out to do. She set her sights on bodybuilding and fitness and achieved the highest success that sector offered. She loved us and we love Hayley very much, we miss her madly.”
Who was Hayley McNeff?
A graduate of Concord-Carlisle High School, Hayley went on to study at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she received her bachelor's degree. McNeff’s early years were filled with a passion for sports. She excelled in equestrian riding, competitive diving, and skiing before later discovering her talent in bodybuilding.
Her dedication to fitness and discipline led her to win multiple state championships in Maryland and Delaware, and she earned top honors at the 2009 East Coast Classic. Her prominence in the sport was further recognized when she was featured in the 2005 documentary Raising the Bar.
After retiring from bodybuilding, she pursued graduate studies in psychology, continuing her commitment to personal growth and helping others.
A public visitation will be held on Saturday, August 16, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, located at 477 Washington Street in Wellesley, Massachusetts. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Private interment will take place afterward. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to be made to NAMI Massachusetts in Hayley’s memory.
