Local authorities and reports indicate that a Colombian bodybuilder, referred to as “her hulk,” was killed with a hammer during her vacation in Spain. Tragically, her husband, Jarrod Gelling, was found dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted stab wound.
Zunilda Hoyos Mendez, aged 43, and her husband, who had been married for four years, were discovered at a rental property in Malaga, where they had been staying for about a month following Gelling’s knee surgery.
According to Mendes, who spoke with family members, Gelling had exhibited aggressive behavior towards her for the past year, and they planned to divorce after this trip.
Witnesses reported, “She was under abuse and intended to divorce,” as mentioned by family sources. Their findings were shared with a Spanish newspaper.
Mendes suffered fatal injuries from multiple blows with a hammer, while Gelling’s body was located in the bathroom with signs of a possible suicide. The Spanish National Police noted the clear evidence of violence on Mendes and added that Gelling’s death requires further confirmation through an autopsy.
Her family hadn’t received any updates from her since Saturday, following her and Gelling’s arrival in Southern Spain from Dubai.
Mendes’s niece, Yuleydis, remarked that the trip was intended to help Gelling recover after his knee surgery before they returned to Colombia to finalize their divorce.
“For my aunt, this was supposed to be her last trip with him—she chose to end the relationship because of his aggressive behavior,” Yuleydis shared.
She added that they had separated in the past but had reconciled, though the abuse persisted.
Reports show that Mendes was also a popular figure in bodybuilding, having amassed over 100,000 followers online.
Brandon Ray, her coach, expressed his sorrow in a touching Instagram post, reflecting on their ambitions to compete and make an impact in the bodybuilding world.
“I believed you could be in the top ten globally this year, and I truly meant that,” he wrote. “May you find peace in paradise.”
He also emphasized the gravity of domestic violence, stating that it often leaves a deep emotional impact. The investigation into the murder is ongoing.
