Zunilda Hoyos Mendez, 43, was allegedly murdered by her husband Jarrod Gelling in suspected domestic violence incident before he died by suicide
June 21, 2025 – In a disturbing case of suspected domestic violence, Colombian bodybuilder Zunilda Hoyos Mendez, popularly known as “She Hulk”, was found bludgeoned to death with a hammer in the Spanish town of Fuengirola on Thursday. Her husband, Jarrod Gelling, 46, was also found dead at the scene with what police believe were self-inflicted stab wounds.
The couple had been reported missing for five days when concerned friends filed a report with the Spanish police. Authorities broke into their rental home in southern Spain, where they discovered Mendez’s body with severe head trauma and Gelling’s body nearby.
“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,” the Spanish National Police said in a statement.
💔 History of Abuse and Divorce Plans
Family members of the 43-year-old athlete confirmed that she had been enduring abuse in her marriage and was planning to divorce Gelling after a final trip together. Mendez had traveled with her husband from Dubai to Spain to assist him after knee surgery, with the intention of ending their relationship after a bodybuilding competition in Portugal.
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“She was being abused and wanted a divorce,” said her niece Yuleydis. “This trip was supposed to be a farewell.”
The couple had previously separated due to his behavior but reconciled in hopes of resolving their issues. However, according to family accounts, the mistreatment continued.
🕊 Tributes Pour In From the Bodybuilding Community
Mendez’s death has sent shockwaves through the global fitness community. Her coach, Branden Ray, paid tribute to her on Instagram:
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“We had 17 days until we were going to hit the stage and shock the world… Domestic violence should never be taken lightly, because it can leave many with a heavy heart.”
Mendez was a rising figure in bodybuilding, poised to break into the top 10 global rankings this year.
The Spanish authorities have opened a full investigation into the killings, and autopsy reports are awaited to confirm the timeline and nature of events.
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