Fitness influencer and cancer researcher Stephanie Buttermore has died at the age of 36 as her fiancé Jeff Nippard confirmed.

The bodybuilder shared the heartbreaking news through a statement posted to Instagram on Friday March 6. No cause of death has been made public.

“It is with profound sorrow that we share the sudden passing of Jeff’s fiancée and partner of ten years, Stephanie,” the post read. “As many of you know, Stephanie meant the world to Jeff.”

The statement reflected on Buttermore’s legacy adding: “She will be remembered for her warmth and compassion, her love for her family, and her PhD research on ovarian cancer.”

The message concluded by asking for privacy for Nippard during the difficult time.

The news came just days after Buttermore celebrated her birthday on February 25.

Less than two weeks earlier Nippard shared a Valentine’s Day post featuring a photo of the couple smiling together.

“Relationshipmaxxing with tea time to lower cortisol levels ,” he captioned the post.

She had more than 525,000 followers on Instagram and over one million subscribers on YouTube. Beyond social media Buttermore was also a scientist.

According to her YouTube channel she earned a PhD in pathology and cell biology focusing on the molecular mechanisms behind ovarian cancer progression.

Nippard and Buttermore had been together for a decade and announced their engagement in October 2022.

At the time Nippard shared that their relationship began after he messaged her on social media and the two quickly formed a close connection.

“We started Skyping for 3-4 hours every day for about a month (no joke) until I went to visit her in Florida from Canada,” he wrote. “Our first date was a shoulder workout and I will never forget it .”

Following the announcement of her death fans flooded Nippard’s previous Instagram posts with messages of support and condolences.

“I am so so sorry. I have followed Stephanie for years, what a beautiful soul. Praying for you and your loved ones,” one user wrote.

Another added: “I love you Jeff. I can’t imagine what you’re going through. Prayers for you .”