“We regret to inform you that our friend and brother @cedricmcmillan passed away today. Cedric will be greatly missed as an athlete, comrade, friend and father,” Black Skull USA, a nutritional supplement company, wrote in a post on Instagram. The company did not provide any further details on McMillan’s death.
“Our prayers are with all of his family and friends. He ‘fought the good fight’ and now he’s resting,” he added.
McMillan won the 2017 Arnold Classic bodybuilding competition, and the organizer, the Arnold Sports Festival, said he was “heartbroken” in a tribute on Instagram.
“Known for his larger than life personality, infectious smile, gentle heart and sense of humor that was loved by competitors and fans alike, Cedric will be deeply missed,” the post reads.
The organization is named after famous bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the post includes a photo of McMillan and Schwarzenegger together.
McMillan won multiple titles and became a “star in the world of bodybuilding and fitness,” and served more than 20 years in the U.S. Army, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant First Class, according to the post.
“Cedric McMillan was first and foremost a husband and father and we send our heartfelt condolences to his family at this incredibly difficult time,” it said.
McMillan was a member of the South Carolina National Guard at the time of his death, a spokeswoman told CNN. She confirmed the National Guard had been notified of his death but declined to comment further.