Gustavo Badell, star bodybuilder known as ‘The Freakin’ Rican,’ dies age 50

Bodybuilder Gustavo Badell has passed away at age 50.

Details about the decorated muscleman’s death remain unclear, but and friend Eddie Abbew confirmed the news on Thursday.

‘I woke up this morning to information that Gustavo has passed away. My heart goes out to his family and friends,’ Abbew wrote. ‘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.’

Muscle Tech, a supplement company that worked with Badell, also paid homage to the retired bodybuilder. 

‘It was an honor to be represented by a man who was a consummate professional and one of the hardest working bodybuilders of his generation,’ read a tweet from the company’s account. ‘Today we remember the lives Gustavo touched and the legacy he left.’

Badell has been retired from bodybuilding, but continued to promote health and fitness online

The native Venezuelan moved to Puerto Rico in his early 20s after launching his bodybuilding career at just 19, ultimately winning the Junior Caribbean Bodybuilding Championship in 1991.

Badell went on to compete in the sport’s biggest events, including the Arnold Classic, World Pro Championships, Ironman Pro, and the Atlantic City Pro, which he won.

He finished just 24th in his first Mr. Olympia competition in 2002, but was far more impressive in 2004 and 2005, when he finished third behind Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler (no relation to the football player).

Mourners have since rushed to his Instagram page to share their grief.

‘Rest In Peace champion,’ wrote bodybuilder Angela Debatin. ‘I had the honor to share the Olympia stage with you, we did a guest posing together here in Orlando in 2005.

‘After years, you helped me pre contest to compete at Tampa Pro 2019.

‘We trained together and, I will keep those memories for ever in my mind!’

Fans grieved on Instagram in both English and Spanish following Badell’s passing 

One fan remarked on how young Badell looked at 50. 

‘He looked so young for his age,’ read the tweet. ‘One of the hardest working of his generation he will be truly missed.’

Another bodybuilder added: ‘We lost another great one. One if the most symmetrical and aesthetic of all times. Bodybuilding 4 life brother.’

Badell had been retired since 2012, but remained active online, promoting bodybuilding and personal fitness.