Marianne von Gierke, the Chilean IFBB Pro Women’s Physique competitor, lawyer, and trainer, passed away suddenly on October 14, 2026, at the age of 40. Just weeks after placing 13th at the 2026 Mr. Olympia, the news left the bodybuilding community in shock. Beyond her stage presence and professional achievements, she was a devoted mother. Here’s a clear look at what is publicly known about Marianne von Gierke’s children and family life.
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Who Was Marianne von Gierke?
Marianne Belén von Gierke Barassi came from Chile’s Magallanes region near Punta Arenas. She began competing in bodybuilding around 2014, earned her IFBB Pro card in 2021, and built a dual career as a practicing lawyer and personal trainer.
She won the Vancouver Island Pro in 2024 (qualifying for her Olympia debut, where she finished 16th) and claimed the Rising Phoenix Arizona Pro title in August 2026 before returning to the Olympia stage. She shared a decade-long relationship with her boyfriend, Juan Cofré García, who often supported her through intense contest preparations.
Details About Marianne von Gierke’s Children
Public reports consistently state that Marianne von Gierke leaves behind one child: an 11-year-old son. No full name has been widely released out of respect for the family’s privacy.
In a February 2025 interview, she spoke openly about the challenges of balancing elite training with motherhood. She mentioned her son was then nine years old and autistic, noting the extra care required around school and daily routines, especially during the demanding final weeks of contest prep. By the time of her death in October 2026, he was 11.
Key confirmed points about her family:
- She was the mother of one son (age 11 as of October 2026).
- She maintained privacy around her child’s personal details.
- Her longtime partner, Juan Cofré García, was a consistent source of support in both her athletic and family life.
- No other children have been publicly mentioned in reliable reports.
Balancing Motherhood and Professional Bodybuilding
Combining elite bodybuilding with parenting is never simple. Contest prep involves strict diets, long gym sessions, travel, and peak-week stress. Marianne often spoke about the difficulty of finding time and energy for family during those final eight-to-six weeks out.
She still made space for her son and partner. Social media posts in the weeks before her death showed gratitude toward Juan for standing by her “365 days a year,” through good days and the frustrations of preparation. Friends and fellow athletes have described her as someone who carried both roles with determination and warmth.
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Recent Updates and Tributes Following Her Passing
Chile’s NPC Worldwide and the national bodybuilding federation announced her death on October 14–15, 2026. The official cause has not been released. She had been active on social media only hours earlier, congratulating a friend and posting training content.
Tributes poured in quickly. The Chilean federation highlighted the “unforgettable mark” she left on the sport and her legacy in the Women’s Physique division. Fellow competitors and fans remembered her discipline, her role as a trailblazer for Chilean women on the international stage, and her identity as a mother. Aspect Publicly Known Details Number of children One son Son’s age (Oct 2026) 11 years old Partner Juan Cofré García (approx. 10 years together) Cause of death Not publicly disclosed Date of death October 14, 2026 Last major competition 2026 Mr. Olympia (13th, Women’s Physique)
Conclusion
Marianne von Gierke’s story goes beyond the trophies and stage lights. She was a mother to an 11-year-old son, a partner, a lawyer, and a determined athlete who represented Chile on bodybuilding’s biggest stages. While many details about her private family life remain protected—as they should—the public record shows a woman who worked hard to balance high-level competition with raising her child.
As the fitness community continues to process her sudden loss, the focus stays on supporting those closest to her, especially her young son. Her competitive results and the example she set will remain part of Women’s Physique history. Privacy around her children is the respectful path forward, and any further information will come only if the family chooses to share it.