50-year-old Gustavo Badell passed away. On July 13, the formerly competitive bodybuilder passed away. Several of Badell’s bodybuilding industry colleagues confirmed the information; nevertheless, the cause of his passing has not yet been determined.
At the tender age of 15, the Venezuelan-born professional athlete began his career. He continued to triumph in numerous international contests, earning the moniker “the Freakin’ ‘Rican” and gaining renown all over the world. Continue reading to learn more about his life and work.
Gustavo Badell Dies at 50
Dave Palumbo, a fitness expert and Badell’s acquaintance, broke the news of his passing first. He posted a video on Rx Muscle — The Truth in Bodybuilding, his YouTube channel, lamenting the loss of his friend and paying tribute to him.
Palumbo suggested that Badell might have passed away from a stroke, although the information has not yet been verified. According to insiders, the bodybuilder has been dealing with serious health problems in recent years, including a serious renal condition.
Badell was lived in Orlando, Florida, during his final days. He had more than 35k followers on social media, where he frequently posted his flashback images of himself displaying his muscles.
Badell Won Several Bodybuilding Contests in His Career
Venezuelan-born Badell, who entered the bodybuilding world as a teenager and won the Junior Caribbean Championships in 1991, was born on November 3, 1972. He received a pro card and was crowned the Caribbean Championships’ overall champion in 1997.
Then Badell continued his streak and took part in more events during the 1990s and 2000s. He placed in the top 3 competitors at the Mr. Olympia competitions in 2004 and 2005. In addition, he finished in the top 10 spots at the 2002 Southwest Pro Cup and Toronto Pro Invitational, and he finished fourth at the 2006 and 2007 Arnold Classics.
The fitness expert also participated in the World Pro Championships, Night of Champions, Show of Strength Pro Championship, Atlantic City Pro, and San Francisco Pro Invitationals. The Arnold Classic in 2012 was his most recent competition, and he finished 13th there.
Social Media Pays Tribute
Many followers have expressed their sorrow at Badell’s passing on social media. “Gustavo, you’ll always be there. My sympathies to his family, and may God grant them peace and courage during this trying time, said a supporter.
Champion, rest in peace. You and I had the privilege of sharing the Olympia stage in 2005 when we posed for a picture as guests in Orlando. After a while, you assisted me with the pre-contest preparation for Tampa Pro 2019. We worked out together, and I’ll never forget those memories. a different bodybuilder wrote.
An other supporter commented, “A loss like no other an idol a mentor a legend someone who left his legacy of much knowledge around the world sad very sad news.” The best Hispanic bodybuilder in history, Gustavo Badell, passed away, and someone else said, “It gives me a lot that two days ago I was watching an interview of his and now this happens.”
