When the news broke that Ricardo Nolasco dos Santos—the man the world knew as Kadu Santos—had passed away at just 31 years old, the fitness community basically went into a state of shock. It wasn’t just because he was a young, elite athlete at the peak of his physical form. It was the timing.
Honestly, the tragedy felt scripted in the worst way possible. Only months prior, Kadu had stood on a competition stage, dropped to one knee, and proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Sabrina Wollmann. They were planning a life together. Then, on October 20, 2025, everything just stopped.
Understandably, the internet started spiraling with questions about the Kadu Santos cause of death. People want answers when a "picture of health" suddenly disappears. But as we dig into the details, the story becomes less about a medical report and more about a sequence of events that left a family, and a massive following, absolutely heartbroken.
The Tragic Timeline in Novo Hamburgo
Kadu died in Novo Hamburgo, which is in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. If you follow the Brazilian bodybuilding scene, you know this is a hub for some of the most dedicated athletes in the country. Kadu was the gold standard there. He wasn't just some guy lifting weights; he was an 11-time champion.
His father, Amauri Santos, was the one who had to deliver the news to the world. He called it the "saddest day of my life." You could feel the weight of those words through the screen. There’s something uniquely devastating about a father outliving a son who was, by all appearances, invincible.
The Stroke Connection
While many early reports from major outlets like Generation Iron and People noted that an official cause hadn't been shared immediately by the family, some details have since surfaced. According to reports from the Daily Star and local murmurs within the fitness community, it appears Kadu suffered a stroke.
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This is where things get heavy.
There has been significant discussion regarding a "broken heart" element to this. Just days before he passed, Kadu’s beloved cat, Baki, died. Baki had been with him for four years—the same length of time he’d been with his fiancée. To some, it sounds like a coincidence. To those who knew how much Kadu cared for his inner circle (animals included), the emotional stress of that loss was immense.
Why the Kadu Santos Cause of Death Sparked Such Debate
Look, we have to address the elephant in the room. Whenever a bodybuilder dies young, the conversation immediately shifts to the "lifestyle." People start speculating about supplements, performance enhancers, and the extreme strain of the sport.
It’s a complicated conversation.
The sport of bodybuilding, especially at the level Kadu was competing—he was a two-time overall champion of the Muscle Contest—requires a level of physiological stress that the average person can’t even comprehend. You’re talking about extreme dehydration phases, caloric deficits, and massive fluctuations in body weight.
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The Medical Context of Young Strokes
Is it common for a 31-year-old to have a stroke? No. But in the world of high-level athletics, there are factors that can contribute:
- Extreme Blood Pressure Spikes: Heavy lifting causes massive, temporary surges in blood pressure.
- Thickened Blood: Dehydration, a common tactic for "drying out" before a show, can make the blood more viscous.
- Undiagnosed Conditions: Sometimes, athletes have underlying heart or vascular issues that only manifest under extreme stress.
However, it’s vital to note that the authorities and the Santos family haven't linked his death to specific athletic practices. They’ve asked for privacy. They want him to be remembered for his discipline and the way he treated people, not as a case study for the risks of the sport.
A Legacy Beyond the Stage
Kadu wasn't just a set of "massive biceps," though he definitely had those. He was a digital consultant and a fitness instructor. He had over 13,000 followers on Instagram who didn't just follow him for the "thirst traps" or the trophies; they followed him because he was actually a nice guy.
His fiancée, Sabrina, who is also a personal trainer, shared a message after his death that really highlighted who he was. She talked about how he made her the best version of herself. That’s the recurring theme here. Everyone who spoke at his wake in Novo Hamburgo mentioned his "legacy of dedication."
What We Can Learn From This
When we search for the Kadu Santos cause of death, we’re often looking for a way to make sense of the senseless. We want a reason so we can tell ourselves "that won't happen to me."
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But the reality is often more nuanced.
If it was a stroke, it serves as a sobering reminder that cardiovascular health is the most important "muscle" any of us has. For those in the fitness community, Kadu’s passing has triggered a renewed focus on internal health—regular blood work, blood pressure monitoring, and acknowledging the role of mental and emotional stress on the physical body.
The loss of his cat Baki right before his own passing shouldn't be dismissed as a minor detail. Acute emotional stress can trigger physiological responses that are genuinely dangerous, especially if the body is already under physical strain.
Moving Forward in the Fitness World
The Brazilian fitness scene has lost several young stars lately. It’s a trend that has many experts worried. While we wait for more formal transparency—if the family ever chooses to provide it—the best way to honor Kadu is to take his "dedication and discipline" and apply it to health, not just aesthetics.
Check your heart.
Hug your people.
Don't ignore the signs of stress.
Kadu Santos was a champion who reached the pinnacle of his sport. He was a man who found love and was ready to start a family. His death is a reminder that even the strongest among us are fragile.
Actionable Insight for Athletes: If you are involved in high-intensity training, prioritize a "Health First" protocol. This means quarterly blood panels focusing on kidney and liver function, consistent blood pressure monitoring (especially during "bulk" or "cut" cycles), and never underestimating the impact of grief or emotional trauma on your physical recovery. Your longevity is the ultimate trophy.