Brazilian Bodybuilding Champion, 31, Dies Weeks After Proposing to Girlfriend

Brazilian bodybuilding champion and fitness influencer Ricardo Nolasco dos Santos, popularly known as Kadu Santos, has died suddenly at the age of 31, just weeks after proposing to his longtime girlfriend on stage.

According to local reports, Santos passed away on Monday, October 20, in Novo Hamburgo, southern Brazil. The cause of his death has not yet been disclosed.

His father, Amauri Santos, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a social media post, writing: “The saddest day of my life. My beloved son.”

Kadu Santos, an 11-time bodybuilding champion and two-time overall Muscle Contest winner, made headlines in July when he proposed to his girlfriend, personal trainer Sabrina Wollman, during a bodybuilding event. The couple had been together for four years.

In a touching Instagram tribute, Wollman wrote: “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.”

Santos, who also worked as a personal trainer and online fitness consultant, often shared his intense workout routines and competition moments with his followers.

Fellow bodybuilder Diego Wiegand paid tribute to him, saying, “Heaven is definitely partying today.”

Event promoter Joel Rodriguez recalled Santos’s journey, noting that he began training at age 17 with dreams of becoming a champion. “He fought hard for this to happen. He was loved by everyone a charismatic, friendly person,” Rodriguez said, adding that the sport had lost “an athlete with a lot of potential.”

The training center where he worked, PowerCT, also mourned his death, describing Santos as “an example of dedication, discipline, and companionship.”