Tragedy has struck the fitness world following the sudden death of Brazilian bodybuilding champion and influencer Ricardo Nolasco dos Santos, popularly known as Kadu Santos, at the age of 31.

The athlete reportedly died in Novo Hamburgo, southern Brazil, on Monday, October 20, though the cause of death has not yet been disclosed.

Confirming the heartbreaking news, his father Amauri Santos shared an emotional tribute on social media, writing, “The saddest day of my life. My beloved son.”

Kadu Santos, an 11-time bodybuilding champion and two-time overall winner of the prestigious Muscle Contest, had recently celebrated one of the happiest moments of his life — proposing to his longtime girlfriend, personal trainer Sabrina Wollman, on stage at a competition in July.

The couple had been dating for exactly four years on the day of the proposal.

In a touching post after their engagement, Wollman expressed her deep love and admiration for him:



“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. I choose you every day to share this crazy life with!”

Beyond competition, Santos worked as a personal trainer and online coach, regularly sharing his intense workout routines and fitness advice with thousands of followers.

Tributes have since poured in from across the bodybuilding community. Fellow athlete Diego Wiegand wrote, “Heaven is definitely partying today.”

Event promoter Joel Rodriguez, a close friend, remembered Santos as a determined athlete with an infectious spirit:

“He fought hard for this to happen. And he was loved by everyone. A very charismatic, friendly person. The sport lost an athlete with a lot of potential.”

The PowerCT Training Center, where Santos worked, also honored his memory, describing him as “an example of dedication, discipline and companionship.”

Kadu Santos’ death has left the Brazilian fitness community in shock, as fans and colleagues mourn a young champion whose passion and drive inspired many.