The bodybuilding world is in shock. This follows the sudden death of 31-year-old champion and fitness influencer Ricardo Nolasco dos Santos. He is better known to fans as Kadu Santos. His passing comes just weeks after he proposed marriage to his longtime girlfriend. It was a fairytale proposal made on stage in front of a cheering crowd.
A Life Cut Short Too Soon
Kadu Santos died unexpectedly in Novo Hamburgo, a city in southern Brazil, on Monday. The exact cause of death has not been revealed. News of his passing spread rapidly through the fitness community, leaving fans and fellow athletes in disbelief.
His devastated father, Amauri Santos, broke the news with an emotional message on social media.
“The saddest day of my life. My beloved son.”
Those simple words captured the heartbreak of a father mourning a young man who had seemed unstoppable just days before.
A Proposal That Melted Hearts
Only a few weeks ago, Santos had been living one of the happiest moments of his life. During a bodybuilding competition in July, he dropped to one knee on stage. He proposed to his girlfriend, personal trainer Sabrina Wollman. The crowd erupted in applause as she said yes.
The couple had been together for exactly four years on the day of the proposal. This milestone made the gesture even more special.
Sabrina later shared the emotional moment on Instagram, writing,
“I love you with all my heart. I admire you, and I’m so proud of who we’ve become together.”
In another post, she added,
“Thank you for always helping me become the best version of myself. I choose you every day to share this crazy life with.”
Now, those words read like a love letter frozen in time. They are a painful reminder of a future that ended too soon.
A Champion With a Relentless Drive
Santos wasn’t just another competitor in the fitness scene. He was a 11-time bodybuilding champion and a two-time overall winner at the prestigious Muscle Contest. His dedication to the sport was unmatched, and his discipline inspired thousands across Brazil and beyond.
He started training at 17 years old with one dream — to become a champion. Over the years, he built a reputation for his incredible work ethic, his positive energy, and his magnetic stage presence.
When he wasn’t competing, Santos worked as a personal trainer and offered online fitness consulting. His social media pages were filled with videos of intense workouts, motivational messages, and snapshots from his competitions. More than 13,000 fans followed his journey, cheering him on every step of the way.
Tributes Pour In From the Fitness Community
The news of his death hit the bodybuilding community hard. Friends, colleagues, and fellow athletes posted messages of love and remembrance across social media.
Bodybuilder Diego Wiegand shared a touching tribute, saying,
“Heaven is definitely partying today. It’s with a heavy heart that I say goodbye. You left a legacy here on Earth and will always be remembered for the man you were.”
Event promoter Joel Rodriguez, a close friend of Santos, recalled how dedicated he had been from the start.
“He began training at 17 with dreams of becoming a champion. He fought hard for it and was loved by everyone. He was charismatic and friendly — an athlete with so much potential.”
A Gym in Mourning
At PowerCT, the training center where Santos worked, coaches and clients gathered to honor his memory. The gym released a heartfelt message describing him as a model of commitment and teamwork.
“He was an example of dedication, discipline, and companionship,” the post read.
Members remembered how Santos always pushed others to do better. He never hesitated to help someone perfect their form. Santos was always there to keep them motivated through tough sessions.
Love, Dreams, and Legacy
Santos and Wollman shared more than a passion for fitness. They shared a life built on shared goals. Their deep affection for each other was evident. Together, they trained, traveled, and motivated others to live healthier lives.
Friends described the couple as inseparable. They often posted photos of themselves at competitions, smiling after long days of training.
For many, the proposal scene in July symbolized everything that defined Santos — confidence, passion, and love. He stood before a crowd of athletes and fans. His muscles were glistening under the stage lights. It was then he made one of the boldest moves of his life.
Fans React to the Tragedy
After the heartbreaking news broke, messages flooded social media. Fans shared clips of his competitions. They wrote about how his posts inspired them to hit the gym. His posts also encouraged them to stay consistent with their goals.
On Instagram, one fan commented,
“You showed us what real dedication looks like. Rest in peace, champion.”
Another wrote,
“It feels unreal. You were so full of life, so positive. Thank you for everything you taught us.”
The Champion Who Inspired a Generation
Although his life ended far too soon, Kadu Santos left behind a powerful legacy. His journey began as a teenage dreamer lifting weights in a small gym. He became a multi-title champion who inspired thousands. His story will continue to motivate young athletes for years to come.
His journey was one of grit, passion, and love. He was devoted to his sport. He also shared this love with the people who were part of it.
As tributes continue to pour in, fans remember not only his sculpted physique but his kindness, humility, and infectious smile.
A Final Farewell
For his loved ones, the loss feels unimaginable. Just weeks ago, they watched him celebrate love and life on stage. Now, they’re saying goodbye to a man whose energy once filled every room he entered.
As his father wrote in his heartbreaking post, it was “the saddest day” of his life.
For the world of bodybuilding, it marks the loss of a rising star. He seemed destined for greatness. He is remembered not just for his strength, but for his heart.
