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The bodybuilding community is mourning the sudden death of Brazilian fitness champion Ricardo Nolasco dos Santos, widely known as Kadu Santos, who passed away at the age of 31.
Santos, an 11-time bodybuilding titleholder and two-time overall winner of the prestigious Muscle Contest, died in Novo Hamburgo, southern Brazil, on October 20. His family confirmed the news, though the cause of death has not been disclosed.
"It's the saddest day of my life. My beloved son," wrote his grieving father, Amauri Santos, in an emotional message on social media.
Santos' passing comes just months after one of the most memorable moments of his career and personal life — a heartfelt proposal to his longtime girlfriend and fellow trainer, Sabrina Wollmann, during a bodybuilding event in July. The emotional scene, which was captured on stage, marked the couple's fourth anniversary.
"I love you with all my heart," Wollmann shared afterward on Instagram. "You always make me the best version of myself. I choose you every day to share this crazy life with."
Kadu's sudden death has shocked fans and peers across the fitness world. Fellow athlete Diego Wiegand paid tribute online, saying, "Heaven is definitely partying today. You left a legacy that will never fade."
Event promoter Joel Rodriguez, a close friend of Santos, recalled that Kadu began training at just 17 years old, chasing his dream of becoming a champion. "He was loved by everyone — charismatic, disciplined, and full of potential," Rodriguez told Brazilian media.
Outside of competition, Santos worked as a personal trainer and online consultant, inspiring over 13,000 followers with his workout routines, nutrition advice, and glimpses into his personal life. His final Instagram post, made days before his death, was a tribute to his late cat, Baki, who had recently died.
In a statement, PowerCT, the training center where Santos worked, described him as "an example of dedication, discipline, and companionship."
Fans and friends continue to flood his social media pages with messages of love and remembrance, honoring a life defined by passion, perseverance, and heart.
