The bodybuilding world lost a legend last week, sending shockwaves throughout the community.
According to the Daily Caller, famous bodybuilding champion Gustavo Badell passed away at the age of 50.
As of this writing, the cause of his death remains unclear.
The bodybuilder's death was confirmed by a friend, according to TMZ.
"His death was confirmed by his friend and fellow competitor, Eddie Abbew on social media, Thursday. “I woke up this morning to information that Gustavo has passed away. My heart goes out to his family and friends,” Abbew wrote.
Known as Gusatvo "the Freakin’ Rican" Badell, the bodybuilder competed in many of the highest-profile events in the bodybuilding world, taking on some of the greats in the sport.
He defeated Ronnie Coleman, one of the most popular bodybuilders in history, at the 2005 challenge round of the Mr. Olympia competition.
. @MrOlympiaLLC A look back at what the late Gustavo Badell had to say 18 years ago, moments after he shocked the Olympia crowd defeating Ronnie Coleman in the "Challenge Round" at the 2005 Mr. Olympia.
This interview aired LIVE on the stage screens inside the arena and for… pic.twitter.com/Xhxi5kXKDT— muscle_fitness (@muscle_fitness) July 13, 2023
On two occasions, he managed to snag third-place finishes at Mr. Olympia, the most prestigious contest in the sport of bodybuilding.
Tributes to Badell poured in across social media, with one user making a tribute video for Badell's family, honoring his success in the sport.
Tribute video for Gustavo Badell and his family. 🙏 #Gustavobadell #restinpower pic.twitter.com/jQRjn7VHoO
— Troy Brown (@Coachtroybrown) July 13, 2023
"Everyone at Team MuscleTech would like to send their condolences to the Badell family and Gustavo Badell fans across the globe. Team MuscleTech proudly worked with Gustavo for many years and it was an honor to be represented by a man who was a consummate professional and one of the hardest working bodybuilders of his generation. Today we remember the lives Gustavo touched and the legacy he left," MuscleTech tweeted.
Everyone at Team MuscleTech would like to send their condolences to the Badell family and Gustavo Badell fans across the globe. Team MuscleTech proudly worked with Gustavo for many years and it was an honor to be represented by a man who was a consummate professional and one of… pic.twitter.com/24wOpNWpNr
— MuscleTech (@MuscleTech) July 13, 2023
Badell retired from the sport in 2012, but was widely known for staying involved in the sport and interacting with his fans on social media.
He will clearly be missed by many, and undoubtedly established a legacy that his family, friends, fans and former competitors can be proud of.
