Fuengirola, Spain – June 19, 2025 — Zunilda Hoyos Méndez, a Colombian professional bodybuilder widely known as Amy, was found brutally slain in her luxury residence in Spain’s Costa del Sol region. Authorities believe she was killed by her husband, Jarrod Gelling, who was later discovered dead at the scene with self-inflicted injuries in what police are treating as a suspected murder-suicide.
Méndez, 43, was found by police at approximately 1:45 p.m. local time on Thursday after a friend reported her missing. She had not been seen or heard from in five days. Officers conducting a welfare check at the couple’s upscale home in the Higuerón West residential area of Fuengirola made the grim discovery.
Reports from Spanish news outlets Canaries 7 and SUR indicate Méndez had been killed with a hammer, while her 46-year-old American husband was found nearby with knife wounds consistent with suicide.
A Relationship Marred by Violence
The couple had been together for four years, bonded by their shared passion for professional bodybuilding. Although they had lived in Dubai for much of their relationship, they had recently been residing in Fuengirola.
According to her niece Yuleydis, Méndez had confided in family members that she intended to divorce Gelling due to his aggressive behavior. “For my aunt, it was her last trip with him, a farewell,” she said. Méndez had planned to accompany her husband through knee surgery recovery before departing for Portugal to compete in an upcoming bodybuilding event.
“She told us about every move she made,” Yuleydis added. “We were in contact with her daily, which is why it was so strange not to hear anything from her since Saturday.”
Concerns were also raised at her local gym, where Méndez’s absence from training sessions and failure to respond to messages alarmed fellow athletes and coaches.
Tributes Pour In from the Bodybuilding Community
The death of Méndez, who was considered a rising star in international bodybuilding, has sent shockwaves through the fitness world. Her coach, Branden Ray, expressed heartbreak on Instagram, writing:
“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.”
He added pointedly, “Domestic violence should never be taken lightly, because it can leave many with a heavy heart.”
Fellow competitor Behnaz Azar also shared her sorrow, posting:
“Amy – my kind, strong, fierce friend. The most powerful woman I knew in the world of bodybuilding, yet with the gentlest heart… My heart is broken, my mind is clouded, and my soul is drowning in shock and sorrow.”
Ongoing Investigation
Spanish authorities have not released an official statement detailing the timeline or motive behind the suspected murder-suicide, though domestic violence is being considered a primary factor. There were no children in the home, and no other injuries have been reported.
The case has prompted renewed calls within the fitness community and beyond for greater awareness around intimate partner violence, even in relationships perceived as strong or high-profile.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, help is available. In Spain, contact the national domestic violence helpline at 016. The line is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
