T&T-Born Bodybuilder Dwayne Quamina Dies Suddenly at 40
Trinidad and Tobago-born professional bodybuilder Dwayne “King Q” Quamina has died at the age of 40, just one week after competing at the 2026 Lenda Murray Atlanta Pro Supershow.
Quamina’s death was confirmed on Sunday, August 16, with his wife, Leah Jerez, announcing the news on social media. His cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Born in Trinidad and Tobago in 1986, Quamina lived in La Horquetta before migrating to the United States, where he went on to build a career in professional bodybuilding.
Known throughout the sport as “King Q,” Quamina competed in the Men’s 212 division and remained active on the professional circuit up until his death.
His final appearance came at the Lenda Murray Atlanta Pro Supershow on August 9, where he finished sixth in the Men’s 212 division. His death came just seven days after that competition, sending shockwaves throughout the international bodybuilding community.
Quamina had spent approximately 15 years involved in competitive bodybuilding and reached one of the sport’s biggest stages in 2018, when he competed at the Mr. Olympia and finished tenth in the 212 division.
His career also included victory in the Lightweight division at the 2016 NPC USA Championships and a professional win at the 2017 Europa Phoenix Pro.
After stepping away from competition for several years, Quamina returned to the stage in 2025. His comeback included a third-place finish at the Chicago Pro and a fourth-place finish at the Atlanta Pro before he continued competing into 2026.
Beyond bodybuilding, Quamina was also a United States Navy veteran and worked as a personal trainer and nutrition coach. He was involved in initiatives supporting veterans and had spoken about the importance of rebuilding the sense of community and brotherhood that some service members miss after leaving the military.
Quamina was also closely associated with the 4:13 Fitness Center in El Centro, California, where he was remembered not only for his strength and bodybuilding achievements, but as a father, husband, mentor and friend.
News of his death prompted tributes from across the bodybuilding community, including athletes and industry figures who had interacted with him only days earlier.
His sudden passing has also generated questions online about what may have happened. However, no verified cause of death has been announced, and there is currently no confirmed evidence linking his death to his bodybuilding career, competition preparation, performance-enhancing substances or any particular medical condition.
Quamina leaves behind his wife and children, with members of the fitness and bodybuilding community rallying around his family following his death.
A fundraising campaign has also been established to provide support to his family.
Quamina’s death comes at a time when he was still actively pursuing the sport that had defined much of his adult life, making his final sixth-place appearance in Atlanta only days before his passing.
He was 40.
