Rebecca Lorch was a champion strongwoman, winner of the America’s Strongest Woman competition in her weight class in 2020. She had a master’s degree in nutrition counseling, a roster of training clients and a romantic history with her coach, one of the top names in their sport. She had a rescue pit bull mix named Bella that had its own Instagram account. She seemed to have everything going for her, but on December 18, 2022, she deleted her social media accounts, removed her face piercings and ended her life. She was 32.
The Shocking News
The news of Lorch’s suicide came as a shock to the close subculture of strongmen and strongwomen, even among those who knew her well. Just two days earlier, she had posted a video of herself triumphantly pressing a tremendous barbell over her head, announcing that she was in a “happy place”. According to The New York Times, her friends and fellow competitors were stunned and heartbroken by her sudden death. They described her as a fierce, funny and generous person who inspired others with her strength and determination.
The Possible Reasons
The reasons for a suicide are rarely clear or simple, but Lorch’s friends pointed the finger at her coach and their romantic relationship. Many sports bodies prohibit intimate relationships between coaches and athletes because of the inherent power imbalance and potential for exploitation, though the main strongman organizations do not. Within days of Lorch’s death, a friend and fellow strongman started a #JusticeForRebecca campaign on social media, accusing her coach of abusing and manipulating her emotionally. The coach denied the allegations and said he was devastated by Lorch’s death.
Lorch had also struggled with mental health issues for years, according to her mother. She had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder, and had attempted suicide before. She had been on medication and therapy, but her mother said she often stopped taking her pills or changed doctors. She also said that Lorch had a history of abusive relationships and low self-esteem.
The Legacy She Left Behind
Lorch was born in Dallas to Susan Steiner and Leonard Lorch. She grew up in Mesquite, Texas, with an elder brother, Jeremy. She attended Adelphi University as a theater major, but just before graduation she had a motorcycle accident that caused damage to her leg; during rehabilitation she developed an interest in nutrition and majored in it at Montclair State University.
Lorch started competing as a powerlifter and then entered strongwoman events in 2015. She won the lightweight class of America’s Strongest Woman in 2019 and 2020. While competing she also worked as a nutrition coach. She was known for her impressive feats of strength, such as lifting 200-pound stones, pulling trucks and dead-lifting automobiles.
Lorch’s death has raised awareness about the mental health challenges faced by many athletes, especially women in male-dominated sports. Her friends and family have also honored her memory by raising funds for suicide prevention organizations and animal rescue groups. Her brother Jeremy organized a benefit concert called “Punks For A Cause” to celebrate her life and support causes she cared about. He said he wanted to remember her as the happy, vibrant and loving person she was.
Lorch’s story is a tragic reminder that even the strongest people can suffer from mental illness and need help and support. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741741. You are not alone.
