Brazilian bodybuilding champion and influencer Kadu Santos, 31, tragically died suddenly just weeks after publicly proposing to his girlfriend Sabrina, leaving fans and the fitness community in shock while mourning the loss of a talented athlete and beloved partner.

Brazilian bodybuilding champion and social media fitness influencer Ricardo Nolasco dos Santos, widely known as Kadu Santos, passed away suddenly on October 20, 2025, at the age of 31, shocking fans and the fitness community worldwide.

Santos, who had built a significant following through his online presence and personal training services, had recently celebrated a deeply personal milestone: publicly proposing to his longtime girlfriend, Sabrina Wollmann, during a national bodybuilding competition in São Paulo in July.

The proposal, which took place on stage immediately after Santos was crowned champion, captured the hearts of fans and followers, who celebrated the couple’s four-year relationship.

Sabrina, visibly emotional during the proposal, later shared on social media, “I love you with all my heart.

I admire you and I’m so proud of everything we’ve built together.

You are my strength, my partner, my love.

” Photos and videos from the event showed the couple embracing on stage, with fans cheering and fellow competitors congratulating the pair.

In September, just weeks before Santos’s death, the couple enjoyed a private vacation on a beach in Rio de Janeiro, where they shared intimate moments and celebrated their engagement, further cementing the image of a happy, thriving partnership.

Santos was no stranger to success in the bodybuilding world.

An 11-time national bodybuilding champion and two-time overall winner at the Muscle Contest, he had earned respect for his dedication, discipline, and stage presence.

Beyond competitions, he ran an active personal training business and maintained a robust online fitness presence, sharing workout routines, diet tips, and motivational messages with over 13,000 Instagram followers.

His social media often combined professional advice with glimpses into his personal life, helping fans feel connected to his journey both on and off stage.

Tragically, Santos’s life ended abruptly, leaving friends, family, and followers grappling with the sudden loss.

The cause of death has not been officially disclosed, though friends described the passing as entirely unexpected.

Santos’s father, Amauri dos Santos, announced the news on social media, expressing profound grief: “This is the saddest day of my life.

My beloved son Kadu has left us, and words cannot describe the emptiness I feel.

” The announcement was met with an outpouring of support from fans, fellow athletes, and fitness enthusiasts, many of whom shared heartfelt tributes and fond memories of Santos’s kindness, mentorship, and infectious energy.

In the days prior to his death, Santos had posted a heartfelt farewell to his beloved cat, Baki, who had lived with him for four years.

The post reflected his deep capacity for love and care, and followers responded with messages of sympathy and admiration for his compassion.

Colleagues in the bodybuilding circuit also remembered Santos as a fierce competitor who was nonetheless humble and encouraging to newcomers, often offering advice, encouragement, and support to aspiring athletes.

Santos’s untimely passing is a stark reminder of the fragility of life, even for those who appear outwardly strong and vibrant.

His engagement with Sabrina, moments of personal joy, and professional achievements now stand in poignant contrast to his sudden death, leaving a void in the hearts of many who admired him.

The fitness and bodybuilding community, both in Brazil and internationally, continues to mourn the loss of an athlete whose charisma, discipline, and positivity made a lasting impact on those who followed his journey.

As fans and loved ones process the shock, tributes continue to pour in on social media, celebrating Santos’s life, legacy, and the love he shared with Sabrina.

His story, marked by personal triumphs, public displays of affection, and professional excellence, underscores the importance of cherishing each moment and the people who make life meaningful.

Kadu Santos’s influence will endure through the inspiration he provided to his followers, the memories he leaves behind, and the love that defined his brief yet impactful life.

His passing at 31, just weeks after publicly committing to his future with Sabrina, adds a layer of tragic poignancy, making Santos’s story both a celebration of life and a somber reminder of its unpredictability.

The bodybuilding world and his countless fans remember him not only for his impressive achievements but also for the warmth, dedication, and authenticity that he brought into every aspect of his life.