Former NYPD officer and well-known weightlifter, “White Rhino” aka, Gerard Benderoth, shot and killed himself Wednesday while being pulled over by law officials in New York.

Benderoth, 48, was involved in a traffic stop being conducted by the FBI when he pulled a gun and shot himself dead, several sources confirmed. The incident took place in Haverstraw, New York, around 8:20 am. The strongman killed himself as officials approached his vehicle, the North Rockland Daily Voice reported.

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Officials cited Benderoth’s close friendship with former Westchester County officer Nicholas Tartaglione, who was accused of a quadruple murder in December last year. His career in law enforcement included more than 10 years at the NYPD, during which he was a 9/11 responder.

An avid weightlifter, Benderoth was once filmed hoisting an 800-pound barbell. He decided at age 13 that he wanted to be ‘big and strong’ after watching Conan The Barbarian.

Tartaglione, a fellow weightlifter, was arrested and charged in December after authorities said they had dug up four bodies on his property.

The former cop has been charged by US Attorney Preet Bharara’s office with participation in a conspiracy to distribute 5 kilograms and more of cocaine and the ‘senseless murders’ of four men. h/t dailymail

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Benderoth’s family and friends at this difficult time.