What really happened to Rich Piana?
Abigail Rogers
Updated on February 27, 2026
On Aug. 7, 2017, Rich Piana collapsed while receiving a haircut from his longtime partner and fitness model Chanel Jansen. According to a police report obtained by TMZ Sports, she tried to catch the former bodybuilding champion, but his size and weight proved too much to handle. Piana struck his head during the fall.
How old was rich Piana when he died?
46 years (1970–2017)
Rich Piana/Age at death
Did Rich Piana abuse steroids?
At the age of 18, Piana started a common steroid cycle practice known as “test and deca” that combines testosterone and Deca-Durabolin. In 2014, he stated that due to the dramatic results he achieved with steroids, he got “hooked” on them.
Who is Richard Piana?
Richard Eugene Piana was an American Bodybuilder and Businessman. During his life, he achieved amazing feats such as National Physique Committee Mr. Teen California title in 1989 and the National Physique Committee in 2003 and 2009.
How many times has Piana Piana been married?
Piana was married twice. His first marriage ended in divorce after he had an affair. He then had a longstanding on-again, off-again relationship with American fitness model Chanel Jansen. He married Icelandic bodybuilder Sara Heimisdóttir in 2015.
What is Michael Piana nationality?
Early life. Piana was born in Glendale, California, on September 26, 1970. His ancestry was Armenian (through his mother) and Italian (through his father). Raised in Sacramento, California, his enthrallment with bodybuilding began when he was six.
What did Richard Piana do in Scrubs?
Richard had his own nutrition product line called Rich Piana Nutrition. He also had a cameo appearance as the famous Incredible Hulk in an episode of the television series “Scrubs” and also played an episode of “Malcolm in the Middle” but he had no lines in the series.