Gym Owner Passes Away Three Months After Sustaining Injuries in Follow-Home Robbery
LOS ANGELES—A well-known fitness influencer and gym founder, who had been in the hospital since being shot in the head during a follow-home robbery attempt in September, has passed away, as confirmed by family and friends on Instagram.
Miguel Angel Aguilar, aged 40, was shot on September 13 after he and his wife were confronted by four robbers outside their residence on the 11400 block of North Thurston Circle in Bell Air. He succumbed to his injuries on Saturday.
Aguilar was the founder and CEO of Self Made Training Facility, a chain comprising 30 gyms located across California and several other states including Arizona, Texas, Ohio, Nevada, Florida, and Virginia. Aguilar and his brand boasted over 52,000 followers on Instagram.
“Miguel was not only a leader; he was a visionary, an inspiration, a mentor, a father, a husband, a family man, and a dear friend to many. His steadfast commitment to Self Made Training Facility, passion for the fitness industry, and entrepreneurial spirit have created a lasting legacy.”
Three men from Oakland have been charged with murder and various other offenses relating to the attempted robbery. A fourth suspect was fatally injured during the altercation.
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Mahki Jamir Taylor, Jason Alexander Melara, and Daymonee Christian Johnson, all aged 19, face charges including one count each of murder, second-degree robbery, and shooting at an occupied motor vehicle, along with two counts each of attempted second-degree robbery and assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
The initial murder charges are linked to the death of the fourth suspect, Mario Melara, who has been identified as Jason Melara’s sibling.
Mario Melara sustained critical injuries during the robbery and the subsequent shooting, later dying in the hospital. It remains unclear if his injuries were inflicted by one of the victims or by another suspect.
Before Aguilar’s passing, Taylor also faced a charge of attempted murder and inflicting great bodily injury, as outlined in the criminal complaint.
The three individuals were arrested on October 10 in Northern California and are also facing allegations related to the use of a handgun.
Each of them entered not guilty pleas on November 14 and are scheduled to appear in court again on January 7. They are currently being held in custody without bail.
In their Instagram message, Aguilar’s family and friends paid tribute to him as a passionate fitness pioneer.
“Miguel transformed personal training and motivated countless individuals to chase their fitness and entrepreneurial ambitions,” they shared. “His strategic thinking and innovative mindset fueled Self Made’s swift expansion and triumph.
“As we mourn the loss of our beloved friend and leader, we also celebrate his remarkable life and the positive impression he left on many. Miguel’s legacy will continue through Self Made Training Facility. We will uphold his memory by staying faithful to our mission and values while we innovate and serve our franchises, trainers, members, clients, and the entire Self Made Family now and in the future.”
Aguilar’s friends and followers expressed their memories and heartfelt condolences beneath the Instagram post.
“One of the best to ever do it,” Stephen Ray remarked. “His legacy will continue and has influenced so many of our journeys through fitness and life. RIP.”
Another comment reached out to Aguilar in spirit.
“Miguel, I woke up to the heartbreaking news, and it’s incredibly difficult to process,” Rob Bolton stated. “You lived a life filled with faith, strength, and purpose. You built a successful business through diligence and integrity, leaving behind a loving wife and two beautiful daughters to carry your legacy forward.
“You exemplified the power of leading a sober life with God in your heart. Though your time was brief, we find solace in knowing you are now at peace in His presence. We will honor you by treasuring the love and lessons you imparted. You will always be remembered.”
