Congestive heart failure. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/o...odybuilder-big-lenny-persin-dies-aged-60.html Persin - who last competed in the 2017 NPC Ruby Championship, finishing in second place - became famous on the bodybuilding scene for his eccentric appearance and larger-than-life personality. He also suffered from a disease known as palumboism, a difficulty contracting the abdominal muscles which is typically caused by the usage of HGH and insulin, meaning he did not have a conventional bodybuilding appearance.