A female bodybuilding champion has been found dead at her luxury home in Fuengirola, Spain, with authorities suspecting that her husband died from self-inflicted wounds. The victim, Zunilda Hoyos Méndez, 43, also known as Amy, was reported missing by a friend on June 19, after they hadn’t heard from her for five days.
At around 1:45 p.m. local time, police visited the couple’s home in the Higuerón West residential area after the missing person report. Upon arrival, authorities discovered Méndez’s body, which showed signs of blunt force trauma indicating that she was likely killed with a hammer.
Her husband, Jarrod Gelling, 46, an American, was found with knife wounds, suggesting that he may have taken his own life, according to Spanish news outlets Canaries 7 and SUR.
Concerns Leading Up to the Discovery
Méndez’s family had become increasingly concerned about her safety, particularly because she had frequently described her husband as aggressive and had even expressed intentions to divorce him.
Her niece, Yuleydis, told SUR, “We were in contact with her daily, which is why it was so strange not to hear anything from her since Saturday.”
Yuleydis also shared that Méndez had planned to help care for Gelling after he underwent knee surgery, but she had planned to travel to Portugal for a bodybuilding competition shortly afterward.
According to Yuleydis, Méndez had made the decision to divorce Gelling due to his aggressive behavior, and the trip was seen as a farewell to him.
A Tragic End to Their Relationship
The couple had met four years earlier, bonding over their shared passion for bodybuilding. They had no children, and it was reported that they spent much of their time in Dubai.
Despite this, Méndez’s family grew increasingly worried after she stopped responding to messages and missed training sessions, which led to further concern from her gym in Fuengirola.
Tributes from the Bodybuilding Community
After the tragic news broke, members of the bodybuilding community paid tribute to Méndez, remembering her not only as a champion but as a kind and strong individual.
Branden Ray, Méndez’s bodybuilding coach, shared an emotional post on Instagram, remembering her as someone who was on the verge of greatness. He wrote:
“We had 17 days until we were going to hit the stage and shock the world, my friend. I told you that you could possibly be top 10 in the world by the end of this year, and I meant it. Rest in paradise, Amy.”
Ray also shared a photo of Méndez practicing her side pose for the stage, adding, “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.”
Behnaz Azar, a fellow bodybuilding competitor, also shared photos with Méndez on Instagram Stories, expressing her grief in a heartfelt tribute:
“A eulogy for my beloved Amy. I don’t know where to begin… my heart is broken, my mind is clouded, and my soul is drowning in shock and sorrow. Amy – my kind, strong, fierce friend. The most powerful woman I knew in the world of bodybuilding, yet with the gentlest heart.”
Investigation Continues
The Fuengirola Local Police have not yet provided additional comment on the case, and the investigation remains ongoing. The authorities have yet to confirm the full details surrounding the incident.