Bodybuilding promoter dies

Jerry Thomas of Peoria, the promoter of the largest natural bodybuilding show in Illinois, died Saturday morning at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center after an extended illness. He was 51.

Thomas was afflicted with end-stage renal disease.

He worked 20 years as a certified personal trainer, and owned and operated Fitness Counseling Inc. in Peoria for the past 15 years.

Thomas died the same day of the Heart of Illinois National Gym Association Pro-Am National Qualifier in Peoria, an event he promoted for each of its seven years.