Craig Licker -- a former IFBB Pro Bodybuilder -- has tragically passed away at the age of 57 ... according to reports.
According to reports, Licker died earlier this week ... however, the cause of death is currently unknown.
Dave Palumbo -- a fellow retired bodybuilder -- mourned the passing, saying Licker had "a really gifted structure and discipline for bodybuilding."
"He earned his IFBB Pro card during an era where very few pro cards were awarded," Palumbo said.