The Brazilian 🇧🇷 bodybuilding communityis mourning the death of Ricardo Nolasco dos Santos, better known as Kadu Santos, found dead on Monday in Novo Hamburgo, a city in southern Brazil. He was just 31 years old. Officials have not yet confirmed the cause of death.

For many fans, the news came as a heartbreaking shock. Only weeks earlier, Santos had proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Sabrina Wollman, on stage after a bodybuilding event. The emotional moment, shared across social media, captured the passion and warmth that defined his personality both on and off stage.

Wollman, a personal trainer, shared a heartfelt message following the proposal, reflecting the deep bond they shared.

“I love you with all my heart. I admire you and I’m very proud of who we’ve become together over the years. Thank you for always making me the best version of myself.”

Santos and Wollman began dating in 2021 and became a beloved couple within Brazil’s fitness scene. Together, they built a life centered around training, health, and motivation. Over time, Santos grew his online following to more than 13,000 on Instagram, where he regularly posted workout clips, inspirational messages, and moments from his competitive career. Fans and friends gathered for his funeral earlier this week in Novo Hamburgo, paying tribute to the man they admired in the gym and beyond.

 

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A post shared by Kadu Santos (@kadusantos93)

Brazilian Bodybuilding Champion Kadu Santos Dead at 31 🇧🇷

From a young age, Santos had shown a natural drive for fitness and competition. Over the years, he turned that passion into an impressive bodybuilding career marked by intensity, discipline, and heart. Known for his rigorous workouts and massive arms, he earned a reputation for helping others push their limits.

These efforts paid off in remarkable fashion. Santos captured 11 bodybuilding titles throughout his career, including two Muscle Contest regional championships. His success made him a local icon in southern Brazil and a respected name in the wider fitness community.

Moreover, his influence went beyond the stage. Many athletes and fans described Santos as someone who cared deeply about those around him. His fellow bodybuilder Diego Wiegand shared a moving message following his death.

“Today, heaven is certainly celebrating. Kadu was a person who was completely out of the ordinary, incredible as an athlete, coach, and even more so as a person.”

 

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A post shared by Sabrina Wollmann (@sabrinawollmannpersonal)

A Difficult Year for Bodybuilding

Sadly, Santos’s passing is part of a troubling pattern within the bodybuilding world. Earlier this week, reports surfaced of Jimmy Sadek’s death — another dedicated athlete who began competing at a young age. Sadek, crowned Teenage Mr. Australia in 2002, went on to win the Junior National Championships three years later. Like Santos, he inspired countless fans through his relentless dedication and openness about his training methods.

In addition, the community recently mourned the death of IFBB Women’s Physique Pro Jessica Rivera, who earned her Pro Card nearly a decade ago. Rivera had become known for her elite conditioning, balanced physique, and inspiring presence in the Women’s Physique division. Her passing, alongside those of Santos and Sadek, has left the fitness world reeling.

Colosseum Strength extends its deepest condolences to Kadu Santos’s family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.

For more news and updates, follow colosseum strength on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Brazilian bodybuilder Kadu Santos sudden found dead marks a painful loss for Brazil’s bodybuilding community 🇧🇷 and for the global fitness world. His story was one of discipline, love, and inspiration — a journey that motivated thousands to pursue their own transformations. His proposal to Sabrina Wollman, just weeks before his passing, now stands as a bittersweet memory of his passion for life.

Kadu’s 11 titles, intense training ethic, and commitment to personal growth made him a role model to many. Even in death, his influence endures through the athletes he inspired and the lives he touched. As the community continues to grieve, his legacy remains a powerful reminder of how much one person can mean to an entire sport.

Featured Image – Brazilian Bodybuilding Champion Kadu Santos Dead at 31 – Credit: @kadusantos93 (Instagram)