Six-time Spanish bodybuilding champion and former Mr. Universe José Antonio Hernandez Torres has died at 57, local Spanish outlet Revista el Verdano reported. The legendary athlete, known as “Jocha” passed in Tenerife a month before his 58th birthday, following a career spanning more than 40 years. The bodybuilder went on to win the Mr. Universe title in 2004. After retiring from competition, Torres opened the Jocha fitness gym in Tenerife. “One of the first Spaniards who, in the 1980s, was on a par with the world’s best, representing our country at various international events. We will always admire him,” fellow bodybuilder Jose Maria Garcia said in an online tribute. Police officer Alejandro Mena, who finished runner-up to Jocha in the 1989 Spanish championships, wrote: “Beyond 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.” His cause of death is unknown.
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