Seems to be true, as it is all over the Italian media. What a shame, one of the true legends of the iron sports, as strong as he was muscular, a Mr Olympia and World's Strongest Man competitor. He will be missed. Rest in peace, champ.
Franco Columbu annega in Sardegna - Ultima Ora - ANSA
Franco Columbu drowns in Sardinia
An actor and friend of Schwarzenegger, he lived in the United States
(ANSA) - NUORO, 30 AUGUST - Former bodybuilding champion and actor Franco Columbu, 78, originally from Ollolai (Nuoro), but always living in Los Angeles, in the United States, died in the early afternoon after accusing a sickness while bathing in the waters of San Teodoro, on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia.
World-renowned bodybuilder and friend of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Columbu was on vacation in Sardinia. The tragedy took place around 2 pm. Columbu was immediately rescued and transported with the helicopter to the Olbia hospital, where he died as soon as he arrived in the emergency room. The resuscitation maneuvers of the 118 staff were useless, both on the ground and on board the helicopter, for the former bodybuilder there was nothing to do.