Bodybuilder Was Planning to Divorce Her Husband. Now She’s Dead After Hammer Attack, and He Died by Suicide

Bodybuilder Zunilda Hoyos Mendez tragically killed in a hammer attack, with her husband dying by suicide

In a devastating incident, bodybuilding champion Zunilda Hoyos Méndez, aged 43, was discovered dead at her residence in Fuengirola, Spain, on Thursday, June 19. Local reports indicate that Méndez’s husband, Jarrod Gelling, aged 46, was also found with suspected self-inflicted knife wounds at the scene.

The harrowing discovery was made when the police were called to the couple’s home in the Higuerón West residential area of Fuengirola after friends raised concerns about Méndez’s absence for five days. According to Spanish news outlets, the police found Méndez’s body with injuries consistent with a hammer attack, while her husband, Gelling, displayed knife wounds that suggested suicide.

This tragic event has shed light on the issue of domestic violence, with Méndez’s bodybuilding coach, Branden Ray, emphasising the importance of not ignoring such warning signs. Ray took to Instagram to express, “Domestic violence should never be taken lightly, because it can leave many with a heavy heart.”

Méndez and Gelling, who were from Colombia and America respectively, had a shared passion for bodybuilding and had met through their professional careers in the sport four years prior to their untimely deaths. Despite having no children, the couple reportedly led a jet-setting lifestyle, spending a significant amount of time in Dubai.

Family members and fellow gym-goers at Méndez’s gym in Fuengirola expressed increasing concerns as she missed training sessions and stopped responding to messages. Méndez’s niece, Yuleydis, revealed that her aunt had confided in the family about Gelling’s aggressive behaviour and her intentions to file for divorce.

The bodybuilding community has been left in mourning, with tributes pouring in for Méndez on social media. Behnaz Azar, a fellow competitor, shared heartfelt words alongside pictures of Méndez on Instagram, describing her as a powerful yet kind-hearted individual in the bodybuilding world.

As the investigation into this tragic incident unfolds, Fuengirola Local Police have yet to comment on the case. The loss of Zunilda Hoyos Méndez has not only shaken the bodybuilding community but also serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence.

The untimely deaths of Zunilda Hoyos Méndez and her husband, Jarrod Gelling, have left a void in the bodybuilding world, prompting a reflection on the importance of addressing domestic violence and supporting those in need. The tragic event serves as a sombre reminder of the complexities and consequences of such acts of violence within intimate relationships.

In memory of Zunilda Hoyos Méndez, her dedication to her sport and her vibrant spirit are remembered by those who knew her. The tributes and expressions of grief from the bodybuilding community reflect the impact she had on those around her and serve as a testament to her lasting legacy in the sport.

As the investigations continue, the shocking circumstances surrounding the deaths of Zunilda Hoyos Méndez and Jarrod Gelling underscore the urgent need for greater awareness and action to address domestic violence. The conversations sparked by this tragedy aim to raise awareness and support for those affected by similar challenges, highlighting the importance of prevention and intervention in instances of abuse and violence within relationships.