A mum says her bodybuilder son died heartbroken from a stroke after her beloved cat died.
Ricardo Nolasco dos Santos, 31, reportedly suffered a week of “emotional distress” after the death of his pet Baku, before suffering seizures and being rushed to hospital.
In a heartfelt online post, his mother, Iva Nolasco, said: “I understand that our Baki is gone because there is no way a world can exist where you two are not together.”
Ricardo, known online as Kadu Santos, gained popularity for his grueling gym routines where he offered his 13,000 followers tips on how to stay fit.
The 31-year-old tragically died on October 20, just days after getting engaged to his personal trainer girlfriend, Sabrina Wollman.
His mother revealed that he died of a stroke and lung infection, which she said were caused by the passing of her beloved cat.
It is understood that the gym buff, and 11-time bodybuilding champion, was also born with a bicuspid rather than tricuspid heart valve, a form of heart disease that can prove fatal.
Recalling the devastating night her son was rushed to hospital, Iva said: “His blood pressure went up and he decided to go out to dinner with his partner and friends to try to relax a bit.
“He complained of a headache, started having seizures and then suffered the stroke.
“At the hospital they diagnosed him with a brain injury at the site where the hemorrhage had occurred.
“With the strain of the lungs, the heart became insufficient.”
In a heartbreaking online post, Sabrina described her time with Ricardo as “the best four years of my life.”
She said: “If I had known that our end in this life would be this, I would do it all over again because these were the best four years of my life and I know they were yours too.”
To conclude his emotional tribute, he added: “We will see each other in the next life, my love.”
Friends and fans have remembered the strongman for his “incredible” dedication to fitness.
Fellow bodybuilder Diego Wiegand said: “Today the sky is certainly celebrating. Kadu was a completely out of the ordinary person, incredible as an athlete, coach and even more so as a person.
“It is with great sadness that I say goodbye to you today.
“It’s very hard to accept and I still haven’t accepted it, but you have left a legacy here on earth and you will always be remembered by everyone for the man you were! I love you, brother.”
In addition to competing in bodybuilding shows, Ricardo worked as a trainer and online consultant.
He died in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in southern Brazil, and his funeral took place on October 21 in Novo Hamburgo, outside the city of Porto Alegre.
His tragic death comes just weeks after bodybuilder Valter de Vargas Aita, 41, was murdered in a blood-soaked rampage in the Brazilian city of Chapecó, in the state of Santa Catarina.
Police say his wife Andreia Carvalho Aita lunged at Valter while he was sleeping, plunging a kitchen knife into his jugular, head, arms, legs and torso.
Bleeding profusely, the five-time state bodybuilding champion tried to escape, but collapsed on the stairs, leaving a trail of blood.
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Cops said: “She believed her partner had been having sex with other people for several months before the incident.” crime and, on more than one occasion, he made clear his desire to kill him for that.”
Carvalho Aita allegedly drilled holes in the walls of the couple’s apartment to spy on him, photographed him while he slept and bombarded him with threatening messages, often ending with knife emojis.
