'Colombian She Hulk' Zunilda Hoyos Mendez murdered in Spain, husband Jarrod Gelling takes own life
Zunilda Hoyos Mendez (via Getty Images)
Zunilda Hoyos Mendez, the famous Colombian bodybuilder nicknamed "She Hulk" in the fitness community, was found dead in Spain this week. Spanish police suspect the 43-year-old woman was beaten to death with a hammer by her husband, 46-year-old Jarrod Gelling, who was also found dead with what looked like self-inflicted stab wounds.
Colombian bodybuilder Zunilda Hoyos Mendez found dead, reports of domestic violence emerge
The tragic discovery was made when a friend reported Zunilda Hoyos Mendez was missing on June 18. Police broke into the couple's rented apartment the next day and discovered both bodies on June 19. Zunilda Hoyos Mendez's body reportedly had signs of blunt force trauma, and Jarrod Gelling was in a bathroom with self-inflicted knife cuts. An autopsy will determine the specific causes of death. Police also reported earlier incidents of domestic violence committed by the couple.
"For my aunt, it was her last trip with him, a farewell," Zunilda Hoyos Mendez's niece reportedly revealed. "She had decided to divorce him because of her husband's aggressive behavior."
Bodybuilder friend and coach Behnaz Azar said in an online post, 'I don't know where to begin. My heart is broken, my mind is clouded, and my soul is drowning in shock and sorrow. Amy - my kind, strong, fierce friend. The most powerful woman I knew in the world of bodybuilding, yet with the gentlest heart.
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Your weren't just a friend, you were my sister, my teammate, my safe place. You were a part of me. We had dreams. Big ones.
We were going to travel the world together, step onto the competition stage side by side, and chase the goals we poured our heart into. Now all that's left is silence, and a wound so deep I know it will never fully heal. The news of your murder shattered something inside me. It doesn't feel real. You didn't deserve this.
No-one like you ever does. Amy, I will carry your memory with me always, in every rep, every journey, every moment my heart aches for you. Until we meet again, in a world kinder than this one. Rest in peace, my shining star.'
Zunilda Hoyos Mendez was an accomplished bodybuilder. She was just 17 days from returning to the stage for competition when her life was brutally shortened.
Coach Branden Rey, who was training her for the competition scheduled soon, posted on social media, 'We had 17 days until we were going to hit the stage and shock the world my friend.
I told you that you could possibly be top 10 in the world by the end of this year and I meant it. Rest in paradise.' In a second post, he added, 'We were so close to the end but the closest person to you ended it too soon. Domestic violence should never be taken lightly, because it can leave many with a heavy heart.
'
Zunilda Hoyos Mendez lived her life in pursuit of fitness, strength, and discipline. But beneath her buff physique and international success was a woman trapped in a pattern of domestic violence—one she had just resolved to escape.
Also read:
Inside the Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce brand empire: Can they become the next billion-dollar power couple?
The world of bodybuilding lost a star, and her tale now serves as a chilling reminder of strength, adversity, and the necessity for tougher measures against domestic violence.
Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
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