In a heartbreaking turn of events that has shaken the global bodybuilding community, Zunilda Hoyos Méndez—widely known as “She Hulk” or “Amy”—was found dead in a rented apartment in Fuengirola, Spain, on what was meant to be just another quiet summer day. She was 43 years old.
A beloved Colombian bodybuilder, Méndez was not only known for her remarkable achievements in international competitions, but also for her strong presence in the online fitness world, where she inspired thousands with her powerful physique, discipline, and motivation. Her sudden and violent death is now the subject of an intense investigation by Spanish authorities.
A Gruesome Discovery
Authorities discovered Méndez’s body in an apartment located in the Higuerón West area, a popular and upscale residential zone in Fuengirola, Málaga. The call to emergency services reportedly came after neighbors heard disturbing noises and raised the alarm.
Police entered the apartment to find Méndez dead from blunt force trauma, believed to have been inflicted by a hammer. The scene was described by local media as “extremely violent and tragic.”
Nearby, in the bathroom, they found her husband, Jarrod Gelling, a 46-year-old dual American-Colombian national and fellow bodybuilder. He was unconscious, having suffered multiple self-inflicted stab wounds, and was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
Authorities strongly suspect the incident to be a case of femicide, followed by an attempted suicide.
A Shocking End to a Power Couple
Both Zunilda and Jarrod were known in the international bodybuilding circuit. They had often shared glimpses of their intense training routines, travel experiences, and romantic life on social media.
They appeared to be the epitome of strength, unity, and ambition—a power couple bound by a love for fitness and competition.
But behind the curtain of picture-perfect posts, something dark was brewing.
While details remain under investigation, reports suggest possible domestic tensions in the weeks leading up to the incident. No prior police reports had been filed, which only deepens the shock for fans and friends who had no idea that something so tragic could happen.
Who Was “She Hulk”?
Zunilda Hoyos Méndez built a name for herself through sheer determination. Born in Colombia, she entered the world of bodybuilding in her early 20s and rose quickly thanks to her unique muscular build, aesthetic precision, and unstoppable work ethic.
She competed in several international bodybuilding federations and became a role model for many women in Latin America and beyond who sought to break stereotypes and dominate in a male-dominated sport.
Her nickname, “She Hulk”, wasn’t just about her appearance—it represented her resilience, courage, and tenacity in the face of challenges both in and out of the gym.
The Bodybuilding Community Reacts
As news of her death spread, tributes poured in from athletes, fans, and fitness influencers across the globe.
“Zunilda was a force to be reckoned with. She inspired so many to push past their limits. This is a heartbreaking loss,” wrote one user on Instagram.
“Rest in power, She Hulk. Your legacy lives on in every rep, every lift, every woman who refuses to give up.”
Others called attention to the larger issue of femicide, which continues to be a global crisis affecting women in all walks of life.
A Call for Justice and Awareness
Spanish authorities have launched a full-scale homicide investigation. If Gelling survives his injuries, he is expected to face murder charges. The case is already sparking renewed conversation in Spain and Latin America about domestic violence, mental health, and the hidden struggles behind public images.
Friends and supporters have called for Méndez to be remembered not just as a victim, but as a champion—a woman who defied norms, shattered ceilings, and left a lasting impact on a global stage.
Final Words
The death of Zunilda Hoyos Méndez is not just a tragedy for the fitness world—it is a sobering reminder that violence does not discriminate, even among the strongest. May her memory fuel not only inspiration but also action—to protect, support, and empower women everywhere.
🕯️ Rest in peace, She Hulk.
