From Homeless To CEO: The Tragic Final Chapter Of Fitness Mogul Miguel Angel Aguilar

The inspirational life and tragic death of Miguel Angel Aguilar, the visionary founder and CEO of Self Made Training Facility (SMTF), has sent shockwaves through the fitness and entrepreneurial communities across the United States. As of late December 2025, the story of the Southern California fitness influencer—who famously built a national empire after being homeless—has reached its heartbreaking conclusion following a violent crime.

Aguilar, who was 43, passed away after a courageous three-month battle following a brutal attempted robbery and shooting that took place outside his Bel Air home. His journey from adversity to becoming a respected mogul is a testament to his "self-made" ethos, making the circumstances of his passing all the more shocking and tragic.

The Life and Legacy of Miguel Angel Aguilar: A Biography Profile

The story of Miguel Angel Aguilar is a powerful narrative of resilience, ambition, and the ultimate pursuit of the American Dream. His life was defined by the very name of the company he founded: Self Made.

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• Full Name: Miguel Angel Aguilar
• Age at Passing: 43
• Primary Residence: Southern California (Los Angeles, Bel Air)
• Primary Profession: Fitness Entrepreneur, CEO, and Fitness Influencer
• Key Role: Founder and CEO of Self Made Training Facility (SMTF)
• Early Life Challenge: Became homeless at the age of 16, often living in his car, which fueled his drive for success.
• Career Start: Began training clients out of his garage after a challenging period in his real estate career.
• Business Empire: Built SMTF into a national fitness empire with a couple dozen locations across the country.
• Core Philosophy: Known for his motivational phrase, "Procrastination is death."
• Social Media Impact: Maintained a significant presence as a fitness influencer with tens of thousands of dedicated followers.
• Date of Incident: September 13, 2025
• Cause of Death: Complications from a gunshot wound sustained during a follow-home robbery.

The Shocking Bel Air Incident and Three-Month Battle for Life

The tragic event that ultimately claimed Aguilar's life occurred on September 13, 2025. The incident took place outside his home in the affluent Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles, a detail that highlighted the pervasive nature of what authorities term "follow-home robberies" in the region.

The popular fitness influencer was reportedly followed home by a group of four men. During the attempted robbery, which police suggest may have been violent, one of the suspects produced a handgun. Aguilar sustained a severe gunshot injury to the face, leaving him in a critical condition.

Following the shooting, Aguilar was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he began a grueling and courageous three-month battle for his life. During this period, his "Self Made Family"—the vast community of trainers, clients, and followers associated with SMTF—rallied around him, sharing messages of hope and resilience, echoing the very spirit of his brand.

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Despite the medical team's best efforts and his own incredible will to survive, Miguel Angel Aguilar passed away in late 2025. The announcement from SMTF was met with an outpouring of grief, with the company honoring him as "more than just a leader; he was a visionary, an inspiration."

Justice for Miguel: The Arrests and Ongoing Investigation

In the wake of the incident, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) launched a major investigation into the violent follow-home robbery. The high-profile nature of the victim and the brazenness of the crime put significant pressure on authorities to secure arrests and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The investigation yielded quick results, leading to the arrest and charging of three suspects in connection with the shooting. The individuals apprehended were identified as Jason Melara, Daymonee Johnson, and Mahki Taylor. All three are young men, ages 18 and 19, who were charged in the follow-home robbery and shooting.

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The arrests provided a measure of closure for the Aguilar family and the SMTF community, but the legal process is ongoing. The charges against the three individuals underscore the severity of the crime and the commitment of the LAPD to combating the wave of targeted robberies plaguing affluent areas of Southern California. The case is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by high-profile individuals in the region.

The Enduring Impact of the Self Made Training Facility Empire

While his life was cut short by a senseless act of violence, Miguel Angel Aguilar's legacy lives on through the "national fitness empire" he meticulously built. The Self Made Training Facility (SMTF) is not just a chain of gyms; it is a monument to his personal journey and a physical embodiment of his philosophy.

SMTF's unique business model centers on empowering personal trainers. Unlike traditional gyms, SMTF facilities are designed to be a hub for independent fitness professionals, giving them the space and resources to build their own businesses. This focus on "self-made" success for others is what set Aguilar apart as an entrepreneur.

His core mantra, "Procrastination is death," transcended fitness to become a life philosophy for his followers. It was a call to action, urging people to move past their fears, seize opportunities, and take control of their destiny—a message deeply rooted in his own experience of overcoming homelessness and financial hardship.

The continued operation and expansion of SMTF, which has dozens of locations, will be the greatest tribute to Aguilar's visionary leadership. The community he fostered, often referred to as the Self Made Family, is committed to carrying on his mission of resilience, empowerment, and fitness excellence. His story serves as a powerful, albeit tragic, cautionary tale about the intersection of success and security in the modern world, yet his inspirational journey from the streets to the CEO's chair remains the defining chapter of his life.