(Reuters) -Victor Conte, the convicted owner of the now-defunct BALCO laboratory and seminal figure at the centre of a global steroid scandal that included high-profile athletes such as baseball home run king Barry Bonds, has died at the age of 75.

Conte, who spent four months in prison and four months home detention after pleading guilty in 2005 to distributing steroids to professional and Olympic athletes, died on Monday, a sports nutrition company he founded said in a social media post.

“We are heartbroken by the passing of our fearless leader,” SNAC System wrote in a post on Instagram that called Conte an “anti-doping advocate.”

“We will honor his wishes. SNAC and his legacy will carry forward, strong and forever. We LOVE you, Conte!”

On SNAC’s website, the company said Conte’s BAL

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