A fitness influencer who advocated eating a carnivore diet has died aged 66.
Alex Cannon passed away on Sunday July 6, his family confirmed via social media on Thursday.
The health enthusiast adopted the controversial lifestyle three years ago and said it helped him lose weight and improve his mental health.
The diet involves only eating protein-rich foods such as meat, eggs, seafood, fish, some dairy products, and water and excludes any fruit or vegetables.
In a statement on social media, his family said: ‘It breaks our hearts to share that our Mum’s soulmate and our wonderful Dad passed away peacefully in his sleep, on Sunday 6th July
‘There are no words for the pain or the emptiness he’s left behind. He was the one we all looked to, and losing him so unexpectedly has shaken our world in ways we still can’t believe.
‘Everyone who knew and loved him is welcome to come and join us in celebrating his life
Alex Cannon (pictured), who only ate meat and eggs tragically passed away on Sunday July 6, aged 66 his wife Michelle (pictured) confirmed
The health influencer had adopted the controversial diet three years ago and said it helped him lose weight and improve his mental health
In a statement on the family’s social media, Alex’s wife Michelle, daughter Sophie and son Alex (pictured together) said: ‘It breaks our hearts to share that our Mum’s soulmate and our wonderful Dad passed away peacefully in his sleep, on Sunday 6th July’
‘There will never be another like him. We miss him more than words can say Forever our Mum’s rock. Forever our Dad. Forever our hero.’
Tributes have poured for the retired civil servant underneath the touching tribute.
Emma Flanagan said: ‘He was such a wonderful person, the passion he always had on our event days was truly special! He was respected by so many within our swimming community. He will be so missed.
‘I will be forever grateful for the times we shared on the road, poolside and revolutionising Swimming together.
‘I’m sending you all my strength and love during this difficult time. Thinking of you, Soph and Alex.’
While another called Alex ‘a role model’ and said: ‘From being my Swim teacher, to my coach, to my colleague – but most importantly my friend. Dream team forever.
‘Couldn’t of asked for a better role model in so many ways, his impact on myself and others is one that will last forever. I am so sorry for your loss, there is no one quite like Alex xxx.’
One of the most widely seen tributes was made by American carnivore influencer who goes by the name HomeSteadHow.
Tributes poured in from the wellness community for the father-of-two with one American carnivore releasing a statement from the family on his YouTube
In clips on TikTok, Alex said since changing his diet he no longer suffered with acid reflux or bloating and had stopped wearing size XL clothing, dropping down to a medium
In a video uploaded to YouTube on Tuesday, the vlogger said that Alex had passed away peacefully in his sleep.
He added: ‘At the request of his family I was honoured to put together a little video, a little tribute and some words for Alex to share the news with others.’
He went on to add the family did not know what had caused Alex’s sudden death and were awaiting a coroner’s report.
In the update, the YouTuber said: ‘Alex’s wife shared the coroner’s report and update with me and we put together a statement that the family would like me to share so that’s what I’m going to do here.’
He went on to say: ‘I wanted to share an important update especially for those who have been asking questions and expressing concern about the passing of Alex Cannon. According to the official coroner’s report, Alex’s death was related to a genetic heart condition.
‘It was not linked to diet or lifestyle. The report indicated that his heart simply couldn’t pump blood effectively due to a hereditary issue.
He went on to say that ‘many in the carnivore community looked up to Alex and were inspired by his incredible transformation and health journey.’
In videos posted to his social media, the influencer revealed he had lost at least 47lbs and claimed he was ‘the happiest I’d been for many many years’
‘This news may bring some peace of mind. His passing was not related to diet but something entirely out of his control.’
The YouTuber added that the loss was ‘beyond heartbreaking’ and asked supporters to keep Alex’s memory in their thoughts and prayers.
Alex had been on the carnivore diet since 2022 and had attended and hosted talks on the controversial topic.
In videos posted to his social media, the influencer revealed he had lost at least 47lbs and claimed he was ‘the happiest I’d been for many many years’.
In November 2023, he tried the ‘lion diet challenge’ which saw him drink water, take iodine, electrolytes and only eat meat.
Since changing his diet he said he no longer had acid reflux or bloating and had stopped wearing size XL clothing, dropping down to a medium.
Alex also claimed he had been on three blood pressure tablets before starting the diet but no longer needed them and said his sleep had improved and he didn’t even snore anymore.
He added: ‘I’ve eliminated my mental health issues, my weight-loss issues and my physical health issues, I just feel like superman.
The diet, which has been made popular by influencers including Joe Rogan, is not recommended by doctors who support a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables.
Diets high in red meat have been linked to multiple health problems including heart disease and cancer and experts have also warned that carnivore diet proponents are at higher risk of conditions like scurvy and even cancer due to its lack of vitamin C and fibre.
