Popular Canadian bodybuilder Jeff Nippard announced the heartbreaking news of his longtime fiancée Stephanie Buttermore‘s death on March 6.
“It is with profound sorrow that we share the sudden passing of Jeff’s fiancée and partner of ten years, Stephanie,” said the post on Instagram. Buttermore was just 36 when she died, and no cause of death has been shared.
“As many of you know, Stephanie meant the world to Jeff,” the statement continued. “She will be remembered for her warmth and compassion, her love for her family, and her PhD research on ovarian cancer.” Nippard also asked for “privacy as we navigate this tragic loss” and thanked fans for their support.
Buttermore was a successful fitness influencer, with more than a million subscribers on YouTube and more than 500,000 followers on Instagram before quitting in 2024. She revealed in her last post, shared in May 2024, that while she missed her fans, she chose to leave because her anxiety became “crippling… to the point I felt I couldn’t breathe or leave my house.” After a few months social-media free, she said her “mental health has been the best it’s ever been” and she was “way more present” in her life.
Fans still caught glimpses of Buttermore on Nippard’s accounts, with the most recent being from just two weeks before her death, on Valentine‘s Day 2026. The photos shows the duo sitting on a couch cuddling, with the caption, “Relationshipmaxxing with tea time to lower cortisol levels.” Buttermore commented, “Love you forever,” on the post.
While comments were blocked on Nippard’s statement, fans rushed to the last photo of them together to share their condolences. “A heavy heart for you today, thank you for all the parts of your world you so generously shared with us all, rest in peace queen, you are loved,” said one, while another added, “I love you Jeff. I can’t imagine what you’re going through. Prayers for you.”
Fans also rushed to Buttermore’s page to share stories about how the former bodybuilder helped them in their health and weight loss journeys. “Thanks for everything beautiful lady ♥︎ you changed my life,” wrote one. Another added, “Thanks for being such an inspiration and light in this world. RIP.”
Fans of the Nippard loved his sweet relationship with Buttermore, which began after the bodybuilder slid into the fitness influencer’s DMs. “Our first date was a shoulder workout and I will never forget it,” Nippard joked on Instagram. “We got along like best friends right away because we established a foundation of shared interests and values from the beginning.”
The pair got engaged in October 2022. “Last month, I asked Steph to marry me and she said yes!” he wrote. “It’s been an amazing journey of growth and love. Can’t wait for the next chapter together.”
This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
