Mr Universe champion Shaun Davis dies aged 57: Tributes to bodybuilder nicknamed ‘Dinosaur’ who won 1996 contest before being forced to retire due to kidney problems

Former Mr Universe bodybuilder Shaun Davis, nicknamed 'Dinosaur', has died aged 57.

Mr Davis, who won a string of bodybuilding titles including Mr Britain and Mr Europe, was previously forced to end his career early due to health problems.

He was crowned Mr Universe in 1996 before suffering kidney problems that required a kidney transplant. He underwent the operation in 2006, after waiting three years.

His cause of death is not yet known.

Mr Davis is survived by his partner Helen Burrows and their daughter Harley.

At the time of his Mr Universe success, he weighed a whopping 334 pounds.

Tributes have been pouring in for the bodybuilding star, with Stapleford councilor Richard McRae thanking Mr Davis for putting Long Eaton, Derbyshire, on the map.

Mr McRae wrote: 'IP Shaun Davis, a very well known and respected gentleman who absolutely put Long Eaton on the map. Shaun was Mr Universe in 1996. He was also Mr. UK, Mr. Britain, Mr. Europe and Mr. Pro Universe.'

Another friend wrote: 'Rest in peace my friend, you were a true inspiration from the day I met you at school, through your amazing bodybuilding years and beyond. Your smile and laughter will be missed.”

After his kidney problems, Mr. Davis became an avid supporter of organ donation.

This is a current news item and is being updated.