The global bodybuilding community is reeling after the brutal killing of 43-year-old Colombian athlete Zunilda Hoyos Mendez, affectionately known as “She Hulk.” Mendez was found bludgeoned to death with a hammer this week in a shocking domestic violence case that has stunned fans and fellow athletes worldwide.
The tragedy unfolded in the coastal Spanish town of Fuengirola, where local police made the grisly discovery on Thursday after a concerned friend reported Mendez missing. Inside a rental home, authorities found both Mendez and her husband, Jarrod Gelling, dead.
Gelling, according to police, appeared to have died from self-inflicted knife wounds in an apparent murder-suicide.
A Violent End to a Troubled Marriage
Spanish news outlet Canarias7 reported that Mendez’s body showed “clear signs of violence,” including blunt force trauma consistent with a hammer attack. Gelling’s wounds, investigators said, were consistent with suicide, though final autopsy results are pending.
Family members confirmed that the couple had been struggling with serious marital issues, and Mendez had been planning to divorce her husband after one final trip.
“For my aunt, it was her last trip with him, a farewell,” Mendez’s niece told local press. “She had decided to divorce him because of her husband’s aggressive behavior.”
From the Gym to the Grave: A Life Cut Short
Mendez wasn’t just known for her fierce physique—she was loved and admired throughout the international fitness community. Preparing to compete in a bodybuilding championship in Portugal in the coming weeks, the tragedy has left the community heartbroken.
“The kindest woman in the world, every second in my brain are good memories of you and nothing else,” one fellow IFBB bodybuilder wrote in a tribute on Instagram.
“Rest in peace my angel.”
Mendez had built a loyal following on social media and within the professional fitness circuit, known for her passion, strength, and empowering presence.
💔 Social Media Tributes Pour In: “You Were a Warrior”
The bodybuilding world flooded Instagram and other platforms with emotional tributes:
- “You were such a light. This is devastating.”
- “You inspired me to get stronger inside and out.”
- “Your last show should’ve been a celebration, not a farewell.”
Friends, fans, and competitors alike described her as humble, caring, and unstoppably strong—both physically and emotionally.
🚨 Domestic Violence Under the Spotlight Again
Mendez’s death adds to a growing global concern over domestic violence—especially among high-performing individuals in the public eye.
According to her family, Gelling’s behavior had become increasingly violent in recent months. Mendez was reportedly trying to maintain peace for the sake of their upcoming competition but had privately shared her intention to leave the relationship.
This tragic ending has once again raised questions about why red flags in abusive relationships often go unnoticed or unacted upon until it’s too late.
A Legacy of Strength, Cut Short
Known by her nickname “She Hulk”, Mendez was a force on the fitness stage—representing Colombian excellence in international bodybuilding. She had competed across Europe and Latin America, inspiring thousands of aspiring female athletes.
Her last posts on Instagram included motivational messages and prep updates for the Portugal event, never hinting at the silent storm raging in her personal life.
💬 What We Know So Far
- Victim: Zunilda Hoyos Mendez, 43, Colombian IFBB bodybuilder
- Cause of death: Blunt force trauma, allegedly by hammer
- Suspect: Husband Jarrod Gelling
- Suspect status: Deceased, apparent suicide by knife
- Location: Fuengirola, Spain
- Motive: Ongoing marital abuse; Mendez planned to divorce
- Next steps: Autopsy results pending, investigation ongoing
💬 We Want to Hear From You
Do you think more should be done to protect domestic violence victims—even those in high-profile or international circles?
Share your thoughts in the comments, and follow TPR (The Pop Radar) for breaking updates on this heartbreaking story.
