COLUMBUS, OH - MARCH 07: Cedric McMillan (8) competes in the Arnold Classic as part of the Arnold Sports Festival on March 7, 2020, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, OH.
(Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(CNN) --
Bodybuilder Cedric McMillan has died at the age of 44, his sponsor confirmed Tuesday.
"We are sorry to report that our brother and friend @cedricmcmillan passed away earlier today. Cedric will be sorely missed as an athlete, teammate, friend and father," Black Skull USA, a supplement company, wrote in an Instagram post.
The company did not provide further details about McMillan's death.
"Our prayers go out to all of his family and friends. He fought his battle and is now resting," she added.
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McMillan won the 2017 Arnold Classic bodybuilding contest, and the organizer, the Arnold Sports Festival, said he was "heartbroken" in a tribute on Instagram.
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Known for his big personality, infectious smile, kind heart and sense of humor that was loved by fellow competitors and fans alike, Cedric will be sorely missed.
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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," as well as serving for more than 20 years in the United States Army, where he reached the rank of Sergeant First Class, the publication continues.
"Above all else, Cedric McMillan was a husband and a father, and we send our deepest condolences to his family during this incredibly difficult time."
McMillan was a member of the South Carolina National Guard at the time of his death, a spokeswoman told CNN.
The National Guard was notified of his death, but the spokeswoman declined to comment further.
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