The tragic and brutal death of Zunilda Hoyos Mendez, a Colombian bodybuilder famously known as “She Hulk,” has sent shockwaves across the fitness world and social media. The 43-year-old athlete, recognized for her powerful physique, inspirational journey, and growing online presence, was found beaten to death with a hammer in a rented home in Malaga, Spain.
Alongside her lifeless body was her husband, Jarrod Gelling, 46, who was discovered dead in the bathroom with what appeared to be self-inflicted stab wounds. The incident, now under active police investigation, is suspected to be a case of domestic violence that tragically escalated to murder-suicide.
Zunilda Hoyos Mendez, a prominent figure in bodybuilding and a content creator with over 100,000 followers on OnlyFans, had traveled to Spain with her husband for what was supposed to be a short vacation before her upcoming bodybuilding competition in Portugal. However, behind the bright smiles and strong muscles was a story of emotional turmoil and domestic abuse, as revealed by close family members after the shocking incident.
A Trip Marked by Trouble and a Final Goodbye
Zunilda Hoyos Mendez and Jarrod Gelling had been staying in Malaga for nearly a month following Gelling’s knee surgery. Their plan was to remain there during his recovery and then travel to Portugal, where Mendez was scheduled to compete in a bodybuilding event before returning to her home country of Colombia.
According to her niece Yuleydis, this trip was meant to be a “farewell” — a final act of support before Mendez ended the relationship for good. The couple had experienced turbulence in their marriage, marked by separation and reconciliation, and recently had been grappling with ongoing conflict and reported abuse.
Zunilda Hoyos Mendez had confided in relatives that Gelling had grown increasingly aggressive and violent toward her over the past year. The decision to divorce had already been made, and the trip to Portugal was expected to be her last public appearance with him.
La reconocida fisicoculturista colombiana Zunilda Hoyos Méndez, la "Mujer Hulk", fue brutalmente asesinada en su casa de Fuengirola, España. Su esposo, Jarrod Gelling, es el principal sospechoso tras suicidarse luego del crimen. La víctima planeaba divorciarse. pic.twitter.com/9IrO4BFzhM
— PRIMERA LINEA TV (@tvprimeralinea) June 20, 2025
“She was being abused and wanted a divorce,” her family told the Spanish newspaper Sur. “For my aunt, it was her last trip with him — a farewell,” said her niece. “They had broken up already once and were apart for quite a while but then got back together again to try to resolve things, although the mistreatment continued.”
Despite their troubled past, Mendez had agreed to accompany Gelling to Spain to help care for him post-surgery, displaying her kindness and sense of duty even under strain. However, her family became alarmed when they lost contact with her after Saturday. Days later, Spanish police found both Mendez and Gelling dead inside their rental property.
Violent End to a Life of Strength and Ambition
The details surrounding the deaths are harrowing. Zunilda Hoyos Mendez’s body was discovered with clear signs of violence, having been struck repeatedly with a hammer. Police found Gelling’s body in the bathroom, marked by stab wounds that they described as appearing self-inflicted. While autopsies are underway to determine the exact causes of death, authorities have indicated that the scenario points strongly to a murder-suicide.
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Spanish National Police reported that the grisly discovery was made around 2 p.m. on a Thursday. “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,” police stated. The case is still being investigated, and officials have not ruled out the possibility of premeditation or other factors influencing Gelling’s behavior.
Mendez, known for her dedication to fitness and empowerment, was affectionately nicknamed “She Hulk” by her fans. She not only built an impressive physique but also cultivated a strong social media presence, including a popular OnlyFans account. Her untimely death has left fans, followers, and colleagues stunned and grieving.
Her coach, Brandon Rey, took to Instagram to share his heartbreak. He posted a touching tribute: “In just 17 days, we were going to hit the stage and shock the world… I told you that you could possibly be in the top 10 in the world by the end of this year and I meant it.” In another post, he highlighted the devastating impact of domestic violence: “We were so close to the end, but the closest person to you ended it too soon. Domestic violence should never be taken lightly because it can leave many with a heavy heart.”
Domestic Abuse Hidden Behind Muscles and Smiles
The story of Zunilda Hoyos Mendez is a painful reminder that abuse can occur in any relationship, regardless of how strong or successful someone may appear to the outside world. Despite her powerful build and apparent confidence, Mendez was a victim of domestic violence — a reality many people experience in silence. Her family now seeks to raise awareness of the dangers of ignoring the signs and downplaying the severity of emotional and physical abuse in intimate relationships.
“She was trying to leave,” said her niece, underscoring a tragic reality that many victims of domestic violence face — the highest risk of fatal violence often comes when they attempt to escape. While her final acts showed loyalty and compassion, they may have also placed her in the most vulnerable position.
According to available reports, the couple had spent much of the previous year living in Dubai. Their decision to travel to southern Spain appeared to be motivated by a combination of medical needs and Zunilda Hoyos Mendez’s upcoming professional goals. The bodybuilding event in Portugal was not just a career milestone, but also a symbol of personal independence — a step toward rebuilding her life after ending a difficult relationship.
Tragically, she never made it to that stage.
The story of Zunilda “She Hulk” Mendez is not only one of talent and strength but also one of pain hidden beneath the surface. It serves as a wake-up call about the importance of listening to those who speak up about abuse and taking proactive steps to intervene. Mendez’s death has sparked conversations on social media about the intersection of mental health, domestic violence, and the hidden struggles of high-performing individuals.
Friends, family, and fans continue to mourn her death, remembering her not just for her bodybuilder image but for her resilience and the potential she embodied. Tributes continue to pour in from the bodybuilding community, who viewed her as an inspiration and role model.
As authorities continue to examine the case, her loved ones are left grappling with the loss of a woman who had so much more to give — and whose life was cruelly cut short by someone she once trusted.