Ricardo Nolasco dos Santos, better known as Kadu Santos in it world of bodybuilding, died at age 31 in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
The multi-champion athlete’s girlfriend, Sabrina Wollmann, confirmed the sad news, and recalled the proposal which he did just three months ago on the stage of a prestigious competition of bodybuilding.
The young athlete was a multi-time bodybuilding champion and personal trainer in Novo Hamburgo, in the Metropolitan Region of Porto Alegre. He had been bodybuilding champion 11 times at the local level, and twice overall champion of the prestigious regional competition. Musclecontest.
Bodybuilder Kadu Santos in his last competition. (Photo: Instagram @kadusantos93)He had been training since he was 17, and his dream was to shine in the discipline that he loved since he was a child, a fan of each edition of Mister Olympia. His greatest idol was Francis Benfattoknown for having one of the most symmetrical physiques in the industry, who managed to compete for 20 years and had a famous comeback at 48.
Kadú always named him as a reference and inspiration, and on September 10 he had shared a summary of preparation and routines which he maintained for months to win the title of Brazilian super heavyweight champion.
After exposing the different poses to show all his muscles, he managed to stand out in the competition Musclecontest Brazil Pro 2025which has international endorsement by the IFBB league, and enabled him to compete in professional bodybuilding leagues.
Kadu Santos with his fiancée, Sabrina Wollmann. (Instagram @kadusantos93)«In the city of Curitiba, with 102 kilos, once again we achieved it, with improvement, victory and teamwork, with torn right bicepswith a surprise engagement proposal, special, exciting and unforgettable moments with the friends and family that I love so much,» the bodybuilder had expressed.
At that time he expressed special gratitude to his partner, a physical education teacher and future nutritionist, who supported him in each of the challenges he set himself, with diets and daily fitness sessions.
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Unknown Territory: Bodybuilding
His last publication had been posted together with his girlfriend, where they both lamented the departure of their cat Baki, their adventure companion for four years.
Shock over the death of bodybuilder Kadu Santos: he was about to get married
«Today is the saddest day of our lives: our beloved son passed away on Monday, October 20,» his father, Amauri Santos, wrote in a Facebook post.
Then he joined in the condolences friend and fellow bodybuilder Diego Wiegand, who shared heartfelt words: «The sky is definitely celebrating today, because Kadu was a completely unusual athlete, a amazing coach and even better person«.
Bodybuilder Kadu Santos was champion 11 times in different competitions in Brazil. (Photo: Instagram @kadusantos93)«It is with great regret that I say goodbye to you today, it is very difficult to accept, I have not done it yet, but you left a legacy here on earth and you will always be remembered by everyone as the man you were,» said Wiegand.
Sabrina Wollmann, the late athlete’s fiancee, shared in her stories on Instagram the details of the wake, and did not make any further comments in the midst of the sudden mourning.
Kadu Santos when he proposed to his girlfriend in July 2025. (Photo: Instagram @sabrinawollmannpersonal)Kadu had proposed to her in July, the same day he became champion. They had been dating since August 2021 and after four years together he popped the question in front of the judges and the public.
«My answer was ‘YES’ and it will be like that forever. I love you with all my heart, I admire you and I am very proud of what we have become together over the years. Thank you for always making me be the best version of myself; I choose you every day to share this crazy life with you,» Sabrina had dedicated to him, along with several photographs of the proposal.
The cause of his death has not yet been made public, and the family limited itself to remembering his sporting exploits, without providing details about what caused his sudden deterioration in health.
