Mourning in bodybuilding: athletes mourn Ganley's death at 22
The untimely death of bodybuilder and influencer Gabriel Ganley, aged 22, generated great repercussions on social media among fans, friends and athletes in the field.
Ganley was found dead this Saturday (23), in the apartment where he lived in Mooca, east of the capital.
The information was confirmed by Integral Médica, a sports supplement company of which the athlete was part.
"Today the pain speaks louder (...) we lost much more than a talented and dedicated athlete, with a bright future ahead of him. We lost a sports influencer who inspired thousands of young people daily with his energy, discipline and authenticity. Ganley left his mark wherever he went. His charisma, his presence and his passion for life will remain alive in the memories of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him and walking alongside him", said an excerpt from the note.
Carioca, the "little baby", as he was known, gained notoriety with young audiences sharing his training routine and diet.
On social media, he had more than a million and a half followers.
Ganley's death is being investigated as suspicious, according to the São Paulo Public Security Secretariat.
The SSP stated that the victim was located by a friend, and that "no apparent signs of violence were found at the scene".
An examination was carried out at the scene and the case was registered as "suspicious death - sudden death.
Bodybuilding athlete and current Classic Physique champion at Mr. Olympia, Ramon Dino, mourned Ganley's death.
In a post on social media, Dino wrote that "we never know when the last moment might be" and sent his condolences to Ganley's friends and family.
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"Always happy, always playful, always making those around him laugh. It was impossible to be with him and not remember the jokes, the jokes, the good energy he brought to places. A genuine guy, with a pure heart, who made a point of making everyone feel good," he wrote.
Toguro
Fitness influencer Tiago Toguro, who has more than 11 million followers, also made a post this Saturday afternoon (23), mourning Ganley's death.
"There are no words to write, sad and it hasn't sunk in yet. Father in heaven comfort his mother and welcome him with open arms. bodybuilding is in mourning," he wrote.
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Renato Cariani
Athlete, influencer and businessman Renato Cariani also mourned Ganley's death and stated that he will cherish "all the reviews and moments we shared together".
"May the heavens receive you with joy and may your family be comforted with the peace of the Lord", he continued.
On his YouTube channel, Cariani published a video as a tribute.
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Nick Walker
American bodybuilder Nick Walker, one of the biggest names in the sport, who was runner-up at the Pittsburgh Pro and champion at the New York Pro in 2024, and was one of Ganley's idols, also wrote about the athlete's early death.
"We lost a good boy," Walker wrote.
Nick Walker lamented Ganley's death on social media - Reproduction/@nick_walker39
Rafael Brandão
Rafael Brandão, biggest name in the Open category in Brazil, said it was "sad news" for bodybuilding and wished strength to his family and friends.
"Rest in peace (...) another talented young man with a lot of future loses his life", he lamented.
Rafael Brandão lamented Ganley's death on social media - Reproduction/@rafabrandaopro
Felipe Franco
State deputy and bodybuilding athlete Felipe Franco also spoke out on social media and wrote that Ganley "had brilliance, had desire, had a genuine passion for evolving and leaving his mark on the sport."
"Losing a young man like Gabriel Ganley hurts because it goes beyond the stage, the physical or the competitions. What he carried was something rare to see: true love for bodybuilding. Of those who are born in the soul. In a sport so tough, so lonely and so demanding... he chose to live it with courage, dedication and determination every day (...) even at such a young age, he gained respect within the sport and inspired many people without even imagining it (...) My condolences to his mother, friends and the whole family at this very difficult time. May God comfort each heart," he wrote.
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Source: CNN