Brazilian bodybuilding champion and fitness influencer Ricardo Nolasco dos Santos has tragically died at the age of 31, just weeks after proposing to his girlfriend onstage. News of his passing was made available across multiple platforms, but the cause of death has not been revealed.
His father was one of the first to react to the devastating news.
“The saddest day of my life. My beloved son,” he shared.
Santos, well known as Kadu Santos, was a passionate bodybuilder who turned heads thanks to his intense training methods. They weren’t just for show and produced results, with Santos earning 11 bodybuilding titles throughout his career. While he never attained IFBB Pro status, he still sported a lean, muscular physique.
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On top of his accomplishments in the sport, he was a thriving fitness influencer. His Instagram account has over 13.2K followers, who cheered him on anytime he showed glimpses of his training sessions. The community was heartbroken over his passing, especially after he proposed to his girlfriend just weeks ago onstage at the NPC Muscle Contest Brazil.
Brazilian Bodybuilding Champion Dies at 31, Weeks After He Proposed to His Girlfriend Onstage
Sabrina Wollman, whom he proposed to, thanked him for helping her become the best version of herself.
“I love you with all my heart, I admire you, and I’m so proud of who we’ve become together over these years ❤️
Thank you for always helping me be the best version of myself. I choose you every day to share this crazy life with me!” she wrote.
Emotional tributes have poured in following Santos’ death, including from his friend and fellow bodybuilder Diego Wiegand.
“It is with great sadness that I say goodbye to you today. It is very difficult to accept, and I still haven’t come to terms with it, but you have left a legacy here on earth and will always be remembered by everyone for the man you were! I love you, brother,” he said.
The training facility where he trained offered its condolences:
“Kadu was always an example of dedication, discipline and companionship, leaving a mark of inspiration among colleagues, teachers and friends.”
It’s been a crushing few months for the sport. Recently, popular bodybuilder and fitness coach Jimmy Sadek died. His cause of death hasn’t been made public. Nevertheless, he built an enormous following, courtesy of his impressive muscularity and grainy conditioning. Erik Markov, who just earned his IFBB Pro card, also passed away unexpectedly.
Many athletes and bodybuilders attended Santos’ funeral, which took place in Novo Hamburg, Brazil. The Fitness Volt team sends our deepest sympathies to his friends and family.
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