Trigger Warning: This article contains mentions of domestic violence.
Tragic End for ‘She-Hulk’ Bodybuilder: A Story of Domestic Violence and Unfulfilled Dreams
In a heartbreaking incident that has sent shockwaves through the bodybuilding community and beyond, Zunilda Hoyos Méndez, a 43-year-old Colombian professional bodybuilder dubbed the “She-Hulk,” was fatally attacked by her husband, Jarrod Gelling, in a rented apartment on Spain’s Costa del Sol.
The tragedy, which unfolded in Fuengirola, Málaga, has been classified as a case of gender-based violence, marking Méndez as potentially the 15th victim of such crimes in Spain in 2025. Gelling, 46, is believed to have taken his own life following the brutal act, leaving behind a story of shattered dreams, unaddressed abuse, and a community in mourning.
A Life of Strength and Ambition
Zunilda Hoyos Méndez was a force to be reckoned with, both in the gym and in life. Known for her incredible physique and determination, she earned the nickname “Colombian She-Hulk” through her success in the bodybuilding world.
In 2021, she secured second place in the NPC Worldwide Latin American Championships, a testament to her talent and dedication. Beyond her athletic achievements, Méndez cultivated a significant online presence, amassing over 100,000 followers on the adult content platform OnlyFans, where she shared her journey and connected with fans.
Her passion for bodybuilding brought her international recognition, and she was preparing for an upcoming competition in Portugal when her life was tragically cut short.
Méndez’s coach, Branden Ray, spoke of her immense potential, noting that she was just 17 days away from a competition that could have placed her among the top 10 female bodybuilders in the world. “We were so close to the end, but the closest person to you ended it too soon,” Ray wrote in an emotional tribute on social media.
Her close friend and fellow coach, Behnaz Azar, described her as “kind, strong, fierce,” with a gentle heart that touched everyone she met.
A Troubled Relationship and a Fatal Outcome
Méndez’s story took a devastating turn in her personal life. Married to Jarrod Gelling, a 46-year-old American-Colombian, for four years, their relationship was marred by his aggressive behavior, according to Méndez’s family. Her niece, Yuleydis, revealed that Méndez had been planning to divorce Gelling due to ongoing mistreatment. The couple had previously separated but reconciled in an attempt to salvage their relationship, which was initially built on a shared love for bodybuilding.
However, the abuse persisted, and Méndez confided in family and friends about her husband’s violent tendencies, though she never reported him to the authorities.
The couple had traveled from Dubai, where they spent much of their time, to Málaga for what Méndez intended to be her final trip with Gelling.
She planned to support him through a knee operation before heading to Portugal for her competition and eventually returning to Colombia alone. “For my aunt, it was the last trip, a goodbye,” Yuleydis told Spanish newspaper Sur. “She had taken the decision to split from her husband because of his aggressive behavior.”
On Thursday, June 19, 2025, police discovered the bodies of Méndez and Gelling in a Fuengirola apartment after a friend reported Méndez missing. She had not been heard from since Saturday, raising alarm among those close to her. According to a National Police statement, Méndez’s body showed “obvious signs of violence,” while Gelling was found in a bathroom with apparent self-inflicted stab wounds, pending confirmation by autopsy. The investigation has classified the case as gender-based violence, highlighting a grim statistic: if confirmed, Méndez would be the 15th victim of such crimes in Spain this year.
A Community in Mourning and a Call to Action
The news of Méndez’s death has sparked widespread grief and outrage. In Fuengirola’s Plaza de España, local associations and City Hall employees held a moment of silence to condemn the crime and honor her memory. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed the tragedy on X, writing, “Our society cannot allow this tragedy. Unity and determination are needed to stop this structural violence.” His words underscore the broader issue of gender-based violence, with Spain reporting 1,309 such crimes since 2023.
The bodybuilding community has been particularly hard-hit by Méndez’s loss. Behnaz Azar, her coach and friend, shared a heartfelt tribute: “My heart is broken, my mind is clouded, and my soul is drowning in shock and sorrow. You were my sister, my teammate, my safe place.” Azar vowed to carry Méndez’s memory in “every rep, every journey,” a sentiment echoed by fans and fellow athletes who admired her strength and spirit.
Social media has been flooded with condolences and calls for justice. Comments on platforms like X reflect the public’s horror and sadness, with users like @yanklegionnaire and @SolemnRose expressing their grief and urging greater awareness of domestic violence. Some, like @localleftjerk, questioned whether steroid misuse, often associated with heightened aggression, may have contributed to Gelling’s actions, though no official reports have confirmed this. Others, such as @DrowTav, challenged the narrative that “women have never been more unsafe,” pointing to historical violences like those committed by Jack the Ripper or during wartime, while acknowledging the persistent threat of domestic abuse.
The Broader Context: Addressing Domestic Violence
Méndez’s death is a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of gender-based violence. Despite advances in women’s rights and safety measures, such as access to alarms and greater financial independence, domestic violence remains a global crisis. In Spain alone, the 15th femicide of 2025 underscores the urgent need for systemic change. Méndez’s decision not to report her husband’s abuse to authorities reflects a common challenge: many victims confide only in close circles, fearing stigma or retaliation.
Her story also highlights the complexities of abusive relationships. Méndez’s attempt to support Gelling through his surgery, even as she planned to leave him, speaks to the emotional entanglements that can delay escape from dangerous situations. Her family’s accounts of her resilience and determination to start anew make her loss all the more tragic.
A Legacy of Strength and a Call for Change
Zunilda Hoyos Méndez was more than a bodybuilder; she was a symbol of strength, ambition, and perseverance. Her journey from Colombia to international stages inspired countless individuals, and her untimely death has left a void in the hearts of those who knew her. As the investigation continues, her story serves as a rallying cry to address domestic violence with greater urgency and compassion.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, resources are available. In Spain, the national helpline for gender-based violence is 016. In the U.S., the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). No one should suffer in silence, and Méndez’s legacy can inspire action to ensure others find safety and support.