Star bodybuilder Gustavo Badell, commonly known as “The Freakin’ Rican,” passed away on on July 13, 2023, by stroke, at the age of 50.
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His death was announced by his friend. “I woke up this morning to information that Gustavo has passed away,” Eddie Abbew, Badell’s friend and co-competitor, released in a statement. “My heart goes out to his family and friends.
“Gustavo was ten years younger than me. It is always sad when a young person is taken away long before their time. Rest in peace Gustavo and know that you will be missed.”
MuscleTech, a supplement company Badell had worked with, expressed its condolences.
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
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— MuscleTech (@MuscleTech) July 13, 2023
Fellow bodybuilders also mourned Badell on his Instagram page. “Rest In Peace champion,” bodybuilder Angela Debatin commented on one post. “I had the honor to share the Olympia stage with you, we did a guest posing together here in Orlando in 2005.
According to The Daily Mail, Badell began his bodybuilding profession at the age of 19 and moved to Puerto Rico in his early twenties. Badell competed in the Arnold Classic, World Pro Championships, Ironman Pro, and Atlantic City Pro in addition to the Mr. Olympia competition. He retired in 2012 and has since promoted personal fitness online.
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