Sofia Graham passed away in her sleep after suffering a heart attack.
Sofia Graham passed away in her sleep of an apparent heart attack while prepping for competition. The 27-year-old was an up-and-coming performer at the NPC level. She was preparing to perform on stage at the NPC North Americans and NPC USA’s. It is unknown was officially caused her death but there are speculations from different sources that the demand of preparation, specifically the use of diuretics, could have been the cause.
Graham has been competing for a few years and was in the process of gaining her Pro Card. She was a top-five finisher at Jr USA and WPD while also finishing near the top during North Americans Figure 2020.
Sofia Graham developed a passion for bodybuilding at an early age. Born in the country of Georgia, Graham was adopted and eventually moved to Virginia. She worked as a dental assistant while pursuing her dream of becoming a professional in the sport of bodybuilding.
A GoFundMe campaign has been setup in memory of Graham. There is currently over $10,000 that has been raised and all donations will go to Kelly Kirk, fellow NPC competitor and who the GoFundMe described as Graham’s “true match, their souls were and are intertwined for life.”
“These donations will go directly to Kelly Kirk to help with any financial needs that arise due to the passing of Sofia as well as support Kelly in purchasing a tiny home like the one pictured above, as a tribute to Sofia, his true love. She and him had plans that are now on hold, but with our help we can make Sofias dream come true and Kelly will secure the tiny home they had in their future and name it Sofia, in honor of her so she will be forever immortalized.”
Below, you can read Graham’s obituary remembering her life and discussing her career as a bodybuilder and the the of person she was.
Sofia M. Graham (Age 27)
On Saturday July 31, 2021. Survived by her mother, Roberta W. Graham (Christopher Casey), Aunt, Sheila Whetzel (Steve Matthews), Uncle, Norman Whetzel (Kristina), Aunt, Deb Matthews (Chey Larson), Aunt, Lynne Siefert (Mark), Cousin, Ashley Matthews (Kevin Brady, Alice and Adam), and long-term boyfriend, Kelly Kirk. Predeceased by her father, William Graham and grandparents.
Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, on February 21, 1994. Adopted and emigrated to the US as an infant. Grew up in Manassas, VA and graduated from Woodbridge Senior High School’s Center for Performing Arts program in cello performance. Performed with the Prince William County Youth Orchestra. Attended Radford University and subsequently became a Dental Assistant at Pediatric Dental Care (PDC), until her death. Provided hands-on instruction to students attending the Dental Assistance Training School (DATS). With a passion for weightlifting and body building, she spent many hours in the gym and competed in body building competitions, winning numerous awards.
Sofia made friends everywhere. Friendly, intense, active, quirky and a delight. As we journey through life, we may meet individuals who have a positive or profound impression on us, like Sofia. She lived life to the fullest, was full of energy and kindness, with a positive, confident attitude and discipline, which she carried not only to the gym but also to work. Always willing to provide a helping hand and go above and beyond.
Truly, one of a kind. Memorial service and celebration will be scheduled in the future. She will be interred with her father at National Memorial Park in Falls Church, VA.