In a story that has deeply moved fans and friends alike, Brazilian bodybuilder Ricardo Nolasco dos Santos, known to many as Kadu Santos, tragically passed away at just 31 years old.
His heartbroken mother revealed that the champion athlete suffered a stroke shortly after the death of his beloved pet cat, Baki — an event that left him emotionally devastated.
Kadu, who hailed from the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, had built a powerful reputation in the fitness world.
He was an 11-time bodybuilding champion and had twice taken home the overall title at the prestigious regional Muscle Contest competition.
A Star in the Gym and Online
Kadu’s discipline and passion for fitness made him a standout both in the gym and on social media.
Known for his intense training sessions and dedication to health, he often shared glimpses of his workouts and motivational advice with more than 13,000 followers on Instagram.
Fans admired not only his muscular physique but also his humble attitude and drive to inspire others.
His mother, Iva Nolasco, said her son’s stroke led to a lung infection, and his health was further complicated by a congenital heart condition.
She explained that the combination of emotional strain and physical vulnerability proved too much for him to recover from.
A Love Story Cut Short
In July, Kadu captured hearts when he proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Sabrina Wollman, during a bodybuilding event — dropping to one knee on stage after four years of romance. Their relationship, which began in 2021, had become a bright spot in both their lives.
After his passing, Sabrina shared a deeply emotional tribute online.
“If I had known our story would end this way,” she wrote, “I would still live it all over again because these were the best four years of my life — and I know they were yours too.”
She also mentioned Kadu’s bond with his cat, saying she finally understood why the pet’s death seemed to pull him apart emotionally.
“There’s no way a world could exist where you two aren’t together,” she wrote lovingly. “We’ll see each other in the next life, my love.”
His Mother Shares the Painful Details
Kadu’s mother later opened up about her son’s final days, lifting the mystery surrounding his sudden death.
She revealed that after his cat Baki died, Kadu spent a week consumed by emotional distress.
On October 4, he began feeling unwell and was taken to the hospital after suffering a severe headache, seizures, and eventually a stroke.
Doctors discovered a brain lesion caused by internal bleeding, and he later developed a lung infection due to complications from the seizure.
“He was born with a bicuspid heart valve instead of a tricuspid one,” his mother explained. “With the pressure on his lungs, his heart became insufficient.”
Despite two weeks of medical care, the beloved athlete couldn’t recover.
His family announced his passing online, thanking supporters for their love but initially keeping the painful details private.
Farewell to a Friend and Champion
Kadu’s funeral was held on October 21 in Novo Hamburgo, near Porto Alegre, surrounded by family, friends, and fellow athletes who came to say goodbye.
Among those paying tribute was his close friend and fellow bodybuilder Diego Wiegand, who described Kadu as “a person completely out of the ordinary.”
In a heartfelt message, Diego said, “He was an incredible athlete, a brilliant coach, and an even better human being.
It’s very hard to accept, but you’ve left a legacy here on earth that will never be forgotten. I love you, brother.”
A Legacy Beyond the Stage
Though his career was tragically cut short, Kadu Santos left behind an inspiring story — one of discipline, love, and emotional vulnerability.
Behind his powerful frame was a man who cared deeply for those close to him, from his fiancée to his beloved cat.
His journey serves as a reminder that even the strongest among us can be broken by grief — and that love, in all its forms, leaves a lasting mark long after we’re gone.