![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/newspress-collage-123f9e92i-1783351229169.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&1783354850\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nA FORMER Mr Universe bodybuilding legend has died in Tenerife \u2013 as heartbreaking tributes to the \u201clegend of the sport\u201d pour in.<\/p>\n
Six-time Spanish champion Jose Antonio Hernandez Torres, 57, better known as Jocha, passed away following a \u201cdecorated\u201d career.<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSign up for the Sport<\/span> newsletter\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThank you!\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe athlete died aged 57<\/span>Credit: Refer to source<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nBodybuilder Jose Antonio Hernandez Torres died aged 57<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nA local association called La Verdellada said on social media on Sunday: \u201cIt is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear neighbour Jose Antonio Hernandez Torres, better known as Jocha, six-time Spanish Champion and Overall Champion of the Netherlands in bodybuilding, Mr Universe 2004 and Spanish Boxing Champion.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith over 40 years\u2019 experience in sport, as well as his entrepreneurial endeavours with his famous gym, we have lost the most internationally decorated sportsman in the history of La Verdellada-Barrio Nuevo.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wish to convey our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and friends.\u201d<\/p>\n
It is currently unclear what his cause of death was.<\/p>\n
\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/JW-OFF-PLATFORM-SELBY.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=360&h=240&crop=1\"\/)
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\nMARK TWO<\/p>\n
Snooker fans confuse jacked bodybuilder with former world champ at the Crucible<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/newspress-collage-5lcp94eu2-1779664208349.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&1779667865&w=360&h=240&crop=1\"\/)
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\nATHLETE’S END<\/p>\n
Bodybuilding influencer is mysteriously found dead as cops launch probe<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nHe was a respected bodybuilder<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe bodybuilder was a respected figure in Tenerife<\/span> Credit: Facebook<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nHis funeral is scheduled to take place today.<\/p>\n
Police officer Alejandro Mena, who competed with Torres years ago, paid tribute to the chiselled star.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cIt is with deep sadness that I have received the sad news of the passing of my great friend Jose Antonio \u2018Jocha\u2019 Hernandez.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had the privilege of competing alongside him at the Spanish Championships held in Leon in 1989.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat year, Jocha was crowned overall champion and I had the honour of finishing as runner-up.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeyond the results, I will always remember him as a wonderful person, an excellent friend and a role model for all of us who love bodybuilding.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis humility, camaraderie and passion for this sport left an indelible mark on all of us who were lucky enough to know him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would like to express my deepest condolences to his entire family and loved ones. May God keep him in His glory and grant him eternal rest.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Spanish Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation said: \u201cWe share the grief of Jocha\u2019s family and friends. Rest in peace friend.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fellow strongman Jose Maria Garcia wrote: \u201cA legend of our sport.\u201d <\/p>\n
He added: \u201cOne of the first Spaniards who, in the 1980s, was on a par with the world\u2019s best, representing our country at various international events.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will always admire him. We mourn his passing and wish to express our condolences to his family at this difficult time.\u201d<\/p>\n
More to follow\u2026 <\/em>For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online<\/p>\nThesun.co.uk <\/a>is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.<\/p>\nLike us on Facebook at www.facebook.com\/thesun<\/a><\/span> and follow us on TikTok @TheSun<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
A local association called La Verdellada said on social media on Sunday: \u201cIt is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear neighbour Jose Antonio Hernandez Torres, better known as Jocha, six-time Spanish Champion and Overall Champion of the Netherlands in bodybuilding, Mr Universe 2004 and Spanish Boxing Champion.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith over 40 years\u2019 experience in sport, as well as his entrepreneurial endeavours with his famous gym, we have lost the most internationally decorated sportsman in the history of La Verdellada-Barrio Nuevo.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wish to convey our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and friends.\u201d<\/p>\n
It is currently unclear what his cause of death was.<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\nMARK TWO<\/p>\n
Snooker fans confuse jacked bodybuilder with former world champ at the Crucible<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\t\t\t\t\t<\/a> ATHLETE’S END<\/p>\n Bodybuilding influencer is mysteriously found dead as cops launch probe<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n His funeral is scheduled to take place today.<\/p>\n Police officer Alejandro Mena, who competed with Torres years ago, paid tribute to the chiselled star.<\/p>\n He said: \u201cIt is with deep sadness that I have received the sad news of the passing of my great friend Jose Antonio \u2018Jocha\u2019 Hernandez.<\/p>\n \u201cI had the privilege of competing alongside him at the Spanish Championships held in Leon in 1989.<\/p>\n \u201cThat year, Jocha was crowned overall champion and I had the honour of finishing as runner-up.<\/p>\n \u201cBeyond the results, I will always remember him as a wonderful person, an excellent friend and a role model for all of us who love bodybuilding.<\/p>\n \u201cHis humility, camaraderie and passion for this sport left an indelible mark on all of us who were lucky enough to know him.<\/p>\n \u201cI would like to express my deepest condolences to his entire family and loved ones. May God keep him in His glory and grant him eternal rest.\u201d<\/p>\n The Spanish Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation said: \u201cWe share the grief of Jocha\u2019s family and friends. Rest in peace friend.\u201d<\/p>\n Fellow strongman Jose Maria Garcia wrote: \u201cA legend of our sport.\u201d <\/p>\n He added: \u201cOne of the first Spaniards who, in the 1980s, was on a par with the world\u2019s best, representing our country at various international events.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will always admire him. We mourn his passing and wish to express our condolences to his family at this difficult time.\u201d<\/p>\n More to follow\u2026 <\/em>For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online<\/p>\n Thesun.co.uk <\/a>is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.<\/p>\n Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com\/thesun<\/a><\/span> and follow us on TikTok @TheSun<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n