Greg Plitt - R.I.P.

This morning I awoke to a slew of texts from friends and co-workers, which is never a good thing. And, in fact, it wasn't. Greg Plitt—one of the world's top fitness models and a man we've featured on the cover of Muscle & Fitness twice—had died. He was hit by a train while filming an exercise video.

Greg was a bit of a legend in fitness, for several reasons. For one, the guy was as close to perfect a fitness model as there's ever been. His physique was ideal, and he was never, ever out of shape. Plus, he had model good looks. In fact, he got work as the face (and body) of Calvin Klein and Thierry Mugler as well as a ton of fitness company contracts. But Greg's looks were possibly his least interesting aspect.

Greg graduated West Point and then went on to serve as an Army Ranger, where he became an expert skydiver. After five years served, Greg turned his passion for fitness into his career, becoming a CPT and model. Actually, his first M&F cover came out while he was still serving—in 2003.

But beyond the raw data of his life, I can tell you that Greg was as unique a character as I've ever met. He was boisterous and fun and ambitious and a more than a little unpredictable. In other words, he lived life the way we all should. In his 37 years, Greg lived more than most of us ever will, and had more fun than too many of us will ever know.

Greg inspired many, many people to follow the fitness lifestyle, through not only the instruction he provided on his website and in seminars, but also through sheer force of will. Once you met Greg, or just saw him on video extolling the virtues of working out, you had to follow his lead. His energy was throug the roof—always. Check out this video of Greg doing what he did best, and tell me you don't want to run right to the gym, or through a wall: ARMAGetSome

One summer Sunday a few years ago, when I lived in L.A., I was strolling Malibu beach when way in the distance I saw a guy carrying a surfboard under one arm coming my way. As we drew nearer one another and his silhouette became clearer I was shocked by his proportions: the guy looked like a demigod. More often than not, I feel like my own physique stacks up pretty well in public places, but the closer he got the more I realized that I couldn't hold a candle to this guy.

Shirtless, I felt smaller and weaker with each step I took toward this Adonis, and he towards me. But then, when we were close enough that I could make out a face I realized that I needn't be ashamed at all. It was Greg Plitt—the greatest physique model who's ever lived. On that day, I was perfectly happy to have the second best physique on the beach.

You were one of a kind, Greg, and you'll be missed by many, but never forgotten. Certainly not by me.

Greg Plitt and his girlfriend attended the M&F and M&F Hers party honoring Jen Widerstrom and Arnold Schwarzenegger on October 28th, 2014.