Zunilda Hoyos Mendez, a 43-year-old Colombian bodybuilder known in the fitness world as “She Hulk,” was found brutally beaten to death with a hammer while vacationing in Spain, just 17 days before stepping on stage at her next bodybuilding show.
Her husband of four years, 46-year-old Jarrod Gelling, was also found dead in the same rental home in the coastal town of Fuengirola, Malaga. Authorities believe he died from “apparent self-inflicted stab wounds,” according to reports from Spanish National Police.
“Her body showed obvious signs of violence and that of the man’s signs indicating a suicide-type death which is something an autopsy will have to confirm,” police told local media.
The couple had been staying in Spain for about a month following Gelling’s knee surgery and had traveled there from Dubai, where they had spent most of the past year. Mendez who also went by Amy on social media and reportedly had over 100,000 followers on OnlyFans, had not been heard from since the previous Saturday, prompting a friend to file a missing person report.
Her family says Mendez had been suffering through escalating abuse for over a year and had made the decision to divorce Gelling after the Portugal show.
“She was being abused and wanted a divorce,” the victim’s family told Sur.
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The bodybuilding competition in Portugal was meant to be her comeback, a turning point after enduring emotional and physical hardship. Her niece, Yuleydis, confirmed the trip was intended to be a final farewell.
“For my aunt, it was her last trip with him — a farewell. She had taken the decision to divorce him, because of his aggressive behavior,” she said.
“They had broken up already once and were apart for quite a while but then got back together again to try to resolve things, although the mistreatment continued,” she added.
Her coach, professional bodybuilder Branden Ray, took to Instagram to mourn her loss. In a heartbreaking message, he revealed just how close Mendez was to reaching a major milestone in her competitive career.
“We had 17 days until we were going to hit the stage and shock the world, my friend. I told you that you could possibly be top 10 in the world by the end of this year, and I meant it. Rest in paradise, Amy,” Ray wrote.
“We were so close to the end, but the closest person to you ended it too soon. Domestic violence should never be taken lightly, because it can leave many with a heavy heart.”
Police are continuing to investigate the incident. No other suspects are being sought at this time.
