I lost my soulmate... girlfriend’s tears for stabbed bodybuilder
Mr Scotland title holder was due to wed next month
THE grieving partner of a bodybuilder who was stabbed to death spoke of her grief yesterday as it emerged they had been set to marry in only two weeks.
Michael O’Hanlon, who won the title of Mr Scotland earlier this year, died at an industrial estate in Stevenston, Ayrshire, on Monday afternoon.
On social media, the 45-yearold’s fiancée, Eileen Kirkwood, expressed her heartache after the ‘beautiful man’s’ death.
She wrote that instead of making final preparations for their dream wedding at a Scottish castle, she had to identify his body.
The couple, both of Stevenston, owned a chain of bodybuilding shops called Musclebox O’Hanlon, specialising in selling protein shakes and supplements and offering training advice.
Miss Kirkwood, 54, wrote yesterday ‘...am away to identify my partners & soul mate’s body, as most of you know his life was cruelly taken
‘I will stay strong for my man’
yesterday... I will stay strong for my man and although we didn’t get to make our wedding day on the 15th Aug my name will still change to O’Hanlon.’
Mr O’Hanlon won the National Amateur Body Builders’ Association title of Mr Scotland in March, 23 years after taking the accolade for the first time.
A spokesman for the association said it was ‘absolutely devastated’ by the loss of Mr O’Hanlon, known as ‘Musky’ and ‘Mr Musk’.
In 2014, the bodybuilder was jailed for seven months for drugdealing after police discovered 1,287 diazepam tablets and £3,000 at his home.
He claimed in court that he took supplements containing a lot of caffeine, which kept him awake, so he began buying diazepam in bulk to help him sleep. But he admitted that he started sharing the pills among his friends.
On Facebook, his partner said he really should have had a ‘slap on the wrist’ for that incident, adding that Mr O’Hanlon used the pills for ‘restless legs’.
Earlier this month, on the Facebook page of the couple’s business, a friend who had been due to give Miss Kirkwood away at the wedding, wrote: ‘I am so happy to see her happy and I know she is making the best decision ever. Never have I seen a more perfect couple than Michael and Eileen.
‘I am still laughing at the fact we are both going to be looking like ladies in a beautiful private Scottish castle...’
Following news of Mr O’Hanlon’s death, tributes were posted by friends on social media.
Mark Paterson wrote: ‘RIP big man, will never be forgotten. An inspiration to me and many. Absolutely numb.’ Omar Montana posted on Facebook: ‘Can’t believe this only just seen him the other day. Such a good guy RIP Michael.’
Steve Burnett added: ‘It is with deep sadness I heard this morning about the passing of Musky Michael O’Hanlon. A true Ayrshire gent, an amazing bodybuilder and a sad loss to our community. I knew Musky since he was a junior athlete, seen him progress and grow and knew his passion for our sport.
‘Today is a sad day for Scottish bodybuilding and fitness. My thoughts and prayers with his family.’
Yesterday, a man was charged following Mr O’Hanlon’s death.
Steven Kirkwood, 43, appeared from custody at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court accused of murder.
He made no plea or declaration at the private hearing and was committed for further examination. He was remanded in custody.
Kirkwood, of Stevenston, is expected to appear in court again next week.