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A female professional bodybuilder was allegedly murdered with a hammer at her lavish Costa del Sol residence, after which her husband, a fellow muscleman, reportedly took his own life with a knife, according to police investigations. The tragic incident has shocked the fitness community and authorities alike.
Tragic Discovery in Fuengirola: Bodybuilder Death Under Investigation
Zunilda Hoyos Mendez, a celebrated Colombian bodybuilding champion also known as Amy, was discovered dead yesterday afternoon. Detectives were dispatched to the property, situated in an upscale residential area within the popular Spanish resort of Fuengirola, following concerns about her whereabouts.
Husband Found Dead with Self-Inflicted Injuries
The body of her partner, identified as 46-year-old Jarrod Gelling, was located in a bathroom. Police have stated in their preliminary report that he appeared to have suffered “apparent self-inflicted stab wounds.” The investigation is ongoing to determine the precise sequence of events.
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Mystery Surrounds “Colombian She-Hulk’s” Disappearance
Zunilda, affectionately nicknamed the “Colombian She-Hulk,” had been reported missing since Saturday after arriving in the Costa del Sol from Dubai, where the couple reportedly spent a significant amount of their time together. Her unexpected disappearance prompted family and friends to raise the alarm.
Possible Motives Emerge in Bodybuilding Star’s Death
Family Suggests Relationship Strain
Overnight, relatives painted a picture of Jarrod as potentially “aggressive,” suggesting that his behavior might have escalated after Zunilda expressed her desire for a divorce. Their statements hint at underlying tensions within the relationship.
Niece Reveals Planned Separation
Zunilda’s niece, Yuleydis, shared with the Málaga-based newspaper Sur that her aunt had intended to assist Jarrod with his post-knee operation recovery before proceeding to Portugal for a competition. Afterward, she had planned to return to Colombia solo, signaling her firm decision to end the marriage.
A “Goodbye Trip”
“For my aunt, it was the last trip, a goodbye,” Yuleydis stated, implying a premonition of the impending separation.
- Zunilda had decided to separate from her husband due to his aggressive behavior.
- They had previously separated but reconciled, hoping to resolve their issues.
- However, the mistreatment allegedly persisted, leading to the final decision to divorce.
Police Investigation Underway
Alarm Raised by Gym Companion
The couple’s bodies were discovered shortly before 2 p.m. yesterday within a residence on the Higueron West estate. A gym acquaintance became concerned and alerted authorities after not seeing Zunilda since June 14.
Official Statement from National Police
A National Police spokesperson in Malaga confirmed, “The National Police is investigating the death of a man and woman found lifeless at a property in Fuengirola.”
- Initial inquiries suggest the deceased are a 43-year-old Colombian woman and her 46-year-old American partner.
- Officers responded to the property following a missing person report filed on Wednesday.
- The woman’s body exhibited clear signs of violence, while the man’s indicated a potential suicide.
- An autopsy will be conducted to officially confirm the causes of death.
Suspect’s Nationality
Although initially described as of “American origin,” the suspected perpetrator is believed to hold dual Colombian and US citizenship.
Background and Tributes
No Prior Domestic Violence Reports
Notably, the couple had not been flagged by Spanish police for any prior reports of domestic violence, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
Potential Gender Violence Murder
If confirmed as a gender violence murder, Zunilda’s death would mark the third such incident in the province of Malaga this year.
Online Presence and Achievements
Beyond her bodybuilding prowess, Zunilda maintained a significant online presence, boasting over 100,000 followers on platforms like OnlyFans and Fansly, where she reportedly shared exclusive content.
She achieved second place in the NPC Worldwide Latin American Championships in 2021, highlighting her athletic achievements.
Heartfelt Tributes from Coaches and Friends
Her coach, Branden Rey, expressed profound sorrow in an emotional Instagram post, stating, “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.”
Another tribute from bodybuilder and coach Behnaz Azar read, “My heart is broken, my mind is clouded, and my soul is drowning in shock and sorrow… Amy – my kind, strong, fierce friend… The most powerful woman I knew in the world of bodybuilding, yet with the gentlest heart… Now all that’s left is silence, and a wound so deep I know it will never fully heal… Amy, I will carry your memory with me always… Rest in peace, my shining star.”