20-year-old fitness enthusiast killed by steroids

Oli Cooney was a bodybuilder and fitness fanatic who was desperate to get the perfect body. Even though he had already suffered two heart attacks and three strokes as a direct result of taking anabolic steroids, he continued pumping iron and abusing supplements.

Doctors had warned Oli to stop his steroid habit and reduce his weightlifting. He was putting his body under too much strain. Oli told his family that he believed himself to be “invincible and limitless”.

Oli had been working out since he was 16 years old. He wanted to change his body image; a desire possibly fuelled by his shorter-than-average height of 5ft 2in.

He was first admitted to Bradford Royal Infirmary with chest pains and diagnosed with chronic heart damage. He did stop taking anabolic steroids, but the damage had already been done. Oli was to live the rest of his life with chronic, permanent damage to heart.

His doctor advised him to stop exercising because his heart was so damaged. However, following a major stroke that left him weakened down one side, Oli returned to the gym, ignoring his doctor’s advice.

A hearing into his death was told that he was in denial about his heart problem. He continued to take supplements to help bulk up his muscles and went to the gym several times each week.

In September 2013 Oli collapsed while running to catch a taxi. He was pronounced dead by the time he reached Bradford Royal Infirmary.

His mother said at the hearing: “Oli was driven by a passion for bodybuilding and unfortunately it was that passion that took his life. We would not want anyone to go through the hell we have been through. We will never move on from this.”