Former bodybuilder Gustavo Badell has died at the age of 50!

The bodybuilding world is mourning... The bodybuilding star Gustavo Badell has died at the young age of 50 (3.11.1972 to 13.7.23), leaving behind a loving family, friends and an incredible fan base. The alleged cause of death was a stroke. It is also alleged that Gustavo also underwent a kidney transplant.

Gustavo began his bodybuilding career in the 1990s as an amateur within the IFBB, climbing the amateur rankings to finally begin his professional career in 1997. Badell earned his pro card in 1997 by winning the Caribbean Championships, but placed 10th at the IFBB World Amateur Championships that same year.

Badell was one of the most consistent competitors who competed regularly on the professional circuit.

Gustavo's professional bodybuilding career finally took off in 2004 when he placed third in Ironman Pro, San Francisco Pro, Show of Strength and the Mr. Olympia finals behind Jay Cutler and Ronnie Coleman. In 2005, Gustavo finally scored a win when he won the Ironman Pro, and again placed third at Mr. Olympia.

Gustavo made a name for himself when he defeated Jay Cutler and Ronnie Coleman during the 2005 Mr. Olympia Challenge round.After 2005, Gustavo's results at the bigger events declined, but he still managed to get two more wins at the San Francisco Pro in 2006 and the Atlantic City Pro in 2009.