Bodybuilder from Carrick dies in Malta

Jim Henderson, aged 54, passed away on Father’s Day (Sunday, June 21) after placing sixth in the world in the previous day’s competition.

The night before his death, Jim posted a picture of himself with his sixth place trophy on social media, along with the caption: “Just finished world championships in Malta, 6th in the world! Thanks to everyone who supported me!”

Steven Stone, manager of the Flex gym where Jim trained, described him as “a gentleman who will be sadly missed”.

He stated: “We all knew Jim, he was a regular here and at another two gyms. After he stopped playing football he took up weightlifting and then bodybuilding.

“He had been coming here for the past two years and he was a hard worker and was happy to give advice to anyone who asked for it. He was a strong big fella and no-one had a bad word to say about him.

“He was in fantastic shape, he was always here and would have been down before the gym even opened in the morning.”

Steven saw Jim last week and said he was looking forward to travelling to Malta for the World Championships.

“He couldn’t wait for it,” revealed Stephen.

“What a thing to happen, especially on Father’s Day. We have left messages on his Facebook page and everyone here is still in shock.

“I would like to offer my condolences to his family.”

Married with two children, Jim was an employee of Bombardier, where he worked as a senior logistics agent in supply chain.

The company stated: “We are shocked and saddened by Jim’s sudden death and our thoughts are with his family.”