Former Mr. Universe José Antonio Hernandez Torres dies at 57

Former Mr. Universe and six-time Spanish bodybuilding champion José Antonio Hernandez Torres has died at the age of 57, just weeks before his 58th birthday.

Known affectionately as "Jocha," the bodybuilding icon reportedly died in Tenerife, according to Spanish outlet Revista el Verdano. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.

Torres enjoyed a remarkable career that spanned more than four decades, earning a reputation as one of Spain's greatest bodybuilders. He won the prestigious Mr. Universe title in 2004 and claimed the Spanish bodybuilding championship six times.

Following his retirement from competitive bodybuilding, he opened the Jocha Fitness Gym in Tenerife, where he continued to mentor and inspire aspiring athletes.

Paying tribute, the La Verdellada-Barrio Nuevo Neighborhood Association described him as the most internationally decorated sportsman in the area's history.

"With over 40 years' 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," the association said in a statement.

Fellow bodybuilder Jose Maria Garcia also honored Torres, describing him as a "legend" of the sport.

"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," Garcia wrote.