Amanda Wakut, a Cleveland-area powerlifting coach, bodybuilder, and former standout basketball player at Normandy High School, was killed on June 21, 2026, according to family and friends who shared the news on social media.
She was 7-year-old Landyn’s mother, and those close to her describe her death as a murder, though full details have not yet been released publicly.
A Coach Remembered for Her Heart
Friends and clients of Wakut, who trained with Full Send Powerlifting, say she was far more than an athlete. She built a name for herself in bodybuilding and powerlifting after her playing days at Normandy ended in 2009, but those who knew her say her real impact came from how she treated people.
Coworkers and clients describe a woman who pushed others to improve their form and their mindset, while also showing up as a steady friend when someone needed support.
Organizers of a GoFundMe campaign, Anna Rencz and Megann Galehouse, wrote that Wakut taught everyone around her, not just her son, how to be strong.
They said she carried a sense of humor and warmth that touched teammates, training clients, and friends alike, and that her ability to make people laugh while also pushing them toward their goals left a lasting mark on her community.
Marc Kirby, a former classmate from Normandy, said Wakut excelled on the basketball court during her high school years before turning her attention after graduation to raising her son and building her career in fitness.
He called her a tremendous loss for her family, friends, and former teammates, and said his thoughts were with everyone who loved her, especially Landyn.
Family Asks for Support While Mourning
Wakut is survived by her son and her mother, Irene, whom organizers say she loved more than anything. In a statement posted to Facebook, Full Send Powerlifting said the family is still trying to process news that feels impossible to make sense of, and asked the community to be patient as more information comes out.
The gym is collecting photos, videos, and personal memories of Wakut to preserve for Landyn as he grows up, and is encouraging anyone with stories to share to reach out directly.
A GoFundMe titled Support Amanda Wakut’s Funeral and Her Son has raised more than $15,900 toward a $22,000 goal as of Monday, with 194 donations from family, friends, and members of the powerlifting community.
Funds are intended to cover funeral costs and to provide financial stability for Landyn in the months ahead.
Organizers say every contribution, large or small, helps ease the burden on a family already facing overwhelming emotional and financial strain. Donations have ranged from small individual gifts to a single $1,000 contribution, with dozens of supporters giving in the hours since the fundraiser launched.
Those who knew Wakut say she leaves behind a legacy built on dedication, determination, and care for others, qualities friends say she poured into both her training clients and her son.
As the investigation into the circumstances of her death continues, her community has turned its focus toward honoring her memory and supporting the people she left behind.
This is a developing story, and information surrounding the circumstances of Wakut’s death may continue to change as more details emerge.
