Rich Piana was played thousands of messages from fans as he lay in a coma before his death
Almost 2,000 people from all over the world left voice messages for the bodybuilding pro
TRAGIC bodybuilder Rich Piana was played thousands of messages of support from fans all over the world as he lay in a coma in hospital before his death.
The bodybuilding supremo and long-time steroid user died on August 25 after two weeks in a coma.
Almost 2,000 people from all over the world left voice messages for Rich - which were made into an audio track so girlfriend Chanel Jansen could play them by his bedside.
Rich's firm - 5% Nutrition - had earlier asked fans to send messages of support and inspiration when Piana was first rushed to hospital after collapsing on August 7 from a suspected overdose.
They wrote on Instagram: "If you'd like to send @1dayumay positive vibes, well wishes, prayers, or some motivation during his recovery please feel free to call and leave a message.
"I'll be playing them for him #richpiana#5percenters #whateverittakes #love#positivity #strength #positivevibes#positivevibesonly".
John Gatewood, the company's director of marketing, told Sun Online they were overwhelmed by the response.
Many fans shared inspirational stories about how Rich had helped them change their lives or overcome adversity, the firm said.
The company then collated the messages and gave them to his fitness model girlfriend Chanel.
"There was close to 2,000 messages so we took them all and made them into an audio track for Chanel so she could play them for him in the hospital," Gatewood said.
"They were from people all over the world - and I mean every corner of the world.
"They were from fans and there were also lots of inspirational stories that were shared with us.
"It was actually kind of hard for us to even listen to.
"There were so many inspirational stories about how people's lives were changed by his YouTube videos and the things he put on his Instagram and stuff like that.
"There were people who had been injured - either military people or people in a car crash - and while they were in the hospital they just watched his videos and it inspired them to get better or change their life or lose weight or lead a healthier lifestyle.
"There were people who tried to commit suicide and he inspired them to change their lives and take care of their body more.
"There were hundreds of messages just like that - he inspired so many people."
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The spokesman said he didn't know if Rich, 46, was responsive to the messages but said that they brought "comfort" to his family and friends in his final days.
He added: "I think Rich reached so many people around the world because of his personality and truthfulness.
"He just told it how it was and lived his life however he wanted to - I think a lot of people envy that."
The company, which sells bodybuilding supplements earlier confirmed his death in a statement, which paid tribute to his "openness, honest and support".
Rich's death was also confirmed by a Florida medical examiner.
Sources told TMZ the fitness fanatic collapsed in the bathroom at his home and girlfriend Chanel called 911.
Cops later said they found bottles of testosterone and white powder in the house.
The former bodybuilding champ has openly admitted taking steroids and revealed his fitness regime consists of a massive steroid cycle, nine meals a day and a series of workouts "not fit for the average human being".
However he did encourage others not to take drugs, his firm said.
Gatewood said: "He made a few YouTube videos were he directly addresses the situation with drugs - but he definitely wanted people not to do drugs.
"He wanted to make sure people did their research."
Meanwhile, Rich's heartbroken girlfriend Camille earlier broke her silence on her partner's death penning an emotional tribute on Instagram.
"I will always remember I was loved by the most amazing man I've ever known," she wrote.
"I will always remember there's a hole in my heart where he will always belong
"I will always remember that someday when it's my time-he will fill that space inside me and I'll be whole again."
