Ed and I are good friends - yes he is still alive and he even trains almost daily. He's out of the wheelchair but still has some trouble getting around, but don't ever ask him if he needs help. He is the most determined and inspiring man I've ever met in my life, and he truly loves the sport. One day I asked him if the IFBB paid for his trips to the Arnold and the Olympia, and he said no, but he doesn't want any handouts from anybody, especially the IFBB (but he will take some Champion Nutrition whey off my hands, lol).
Ed's a great guy, and still knows his shit better than anyone in the game now. He'll be at the Contra Costa in Hayward, CA on May 13th right next to my Champion Nutrition booth, so be sure to come out and see us both - I'll also have NPC Middleweight Marco Margiotta and figure competitor Shelly Fields at the booth.