The world of professional bodybuilding mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished figures, Craig Toth. His sudden passing on November 6, 2023, has left a significant void in the fitness community. Known for his exceptional athleticism and dedication to drug-free sportsmanship, Toth’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
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Who was Craig Toth?
Craig Toth, hailing from Boise, Idaho, was a renowned professional bodybuilder who had achieved pro status in several prestigious organizations. These included the National Gym Association (NGA), International Pro Elite (IPE), World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF), and Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (ABFF).
At 52, Craig’s passion for the sport and commitment to promoting drug-free athleticism led him to participate in numerous competitions and organizations. His contributions extended beyond the competition stage as he also dedicated his efforts to promoting the NGA Idaho State Championships from 2008 to 2013.
Craig Toth Career
Throughout his illustrious career, Craig Toth secured numerous victories and accolades. He won the PRO Bodybuilding Master division and secured the second position in the open division. Recognizing his significant contributions, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022.
Craig’s achievements include winning the NGA 1st PRO in 2007, 2008, and 2009, three second-place finishes in the same event, and tying for third place in the highly competitive 2009 NGA PRO Universe. He also claimed victory at the Grand Teton in 2012 and was named Anchorage PRO Champion in 2007, 2008, and 2009. His other titles include ABFF PRO Champion in 2007, ABFF Idaho Champion in 2007 and 2008, and ABFF Vancouver Champion.
What Happened to Craig Toth? Know more about his Cause of Death
Craig Toth, the celebrated bodybuilder known for his unwavering determination and inspirational journey, passed away after a prolonged and courageous battle with brain cancer. This heartbreaking news was shared by Francine Greenhause Bostinto, the President of the National Gym Association, Inc., through a heartfelt Facebook post.
Francine Greenhause Bostinto
It is with a heavy heart to say that our dear friend and NGA PRO athlete Craig Toth passed away yesterday. He lost his long battle to cancer.Craig was an awesome athlete and person. This picture was taken at the 2022 NGA PRO Universe. He was the winner in the PRO Bodybuilding Master division and placed second in the open division. He was also our 2022 Hall of Fame inductee.RIP Craig!! You will be missed by many. You were a true inspiration!!!
Craig Toth Obituary
Craig Toth’s passing marks the end of an era in professional bodybuilding. His dedication to the sport, commitment to drug-free athleticism, and countless victories have left a lasting legacy. He was not just an exceptional athlete but also a role model for many up-and-coming bodybuilders.
His loved ones and the bodybuilding community remember him as a dedicated, passionate, and humble individual who lived his life to the fullest. As we mourn the loss of Craig Toth, we celebrate his life and the indelible mark he left on the world of professional bodybuilding.
Alberto Nunez
I’ve never had an athlete I coached pass away. I still remember the first time I laid my eyes on Craig Toth. It was in 2011 during the IFPA Pro USA, the most competitive pro show of the 2010s. A behemoth of a man whose immense silhouette of a shadow you could feel whenever you stood close to him. He was kind enough to acknowledge the wide-eyed rookie pro bodybuilder I was coaching that day and myself. I was new to the coaching scene, and Craig’s kindness meant the world to me at the time. As talented as a bodybuilder as Craig was, he was also a student of the game, and he saw my potential as a coach. The advancements in conditioning made it so he couldn’t simply bully his way into top placings the way he was used to. Craig had competed in close to 100 pro shows, and he gave me, an under-experienced, punk kid, the keys to the car.Often, with elite talent, you do more managing of the talent than coaching. Craig always had valuable input when I needed it, but I’ve never had an athlete as talented as him play the role of athlete as well as he did. He was a slave to the work and ran every play better than I could draw it up. I should have known this would be the case, given his collegiate wrestling background. I thought I knew just how relentless this man was, but I soon learned I hadn’t even seen the surface of it. In 2019, an intestinal tear led to an infection that nearly took his life. They almost called it on my dear friend after flatlining for nearly 4 minutes, but they gave it another shot, and they proceeded to try for another 2 minutes. They were able to get a heart rate eventually. Craig would end up surviving, but most of his right leg would have to be amputated. This does no justice to what he and his family had to go through during this time and the many months after. Continued in comments
In conclusion, the untimely demise of Craig Toth is a significant loss to the bodybuilding community. His legacy will continue to inspire and motivate future generations of athletes. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.
