Bodybuilder and influencer Gabriel Ganley died at 22 on Saturday morning (23) in São Paulo. The young man from Rio, who had 1.7 million Instagram followers, 1.1 million on TikTok and 400,000 on YouTube, was found collapsed in the kitchen of his residence on Rua da Mooca, in the eastern part of the capital. According to São Paulo's Public Security Secretariat, no apparent signs of violence were found at the scene. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"um "jovem de 22 anos foi encontrado morto na manhã deste sábado, na Rua da Mooca, na zona leste da capital". De acordo com a nota, a vítima foi localizada caída no chão da cozinha pelo amigo. "Não foram encontrados sinais aparentes de violência no local. A perícia foi realizada no local. O caso foi registrado como morte suspeita – morte súbita no 42º DP (Parque São Lucas)."
Known as "bbzinho" in the fitness universe, Ganley was considered one of the main names of the new generation of Brazilian bodybuilding. Before dedicating himself to the sport, he stood out as a competitive Pokémon TCG player, becoming one of the top eight in Latin America and representing Brazil in international tournaments, including the world championship in Indianapolis. He studied Physical Education at UFRJ through the fifth semester and worked as a waiter to support himself. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"Antes de se dedicar integralmente ao fisiculturismo, Gabriel se destacou no universo dos jogos de cartas. Ele foi jogador competitivo de Pokémon TCG e chegou a ser um dos oito melhores competidores do jogo na América Latina, representando o Brasil em torneios internacionais, incluindo o campeonato mundial em Indianápolis, nos Estados Unidos."
The athlete, sponsored by Integralmédica, was preparing for the Musclecontest Brasil championship, scheduled for July in Curitiba. He started in natural bodybuilding but migrated to the Open category — which allows hormone use — aiming to compete at a high level. His death generated commotion among fans and other fitness influencers, with tributes from names like Renato Cariani, Itinho Lima and Toguro. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"O jovem começou no fisiculturismo natural, mas mais tarde decidiu migrar para a categoria Open, que permite o uso de hormônios, com o objetivo de disputar campeonatos de alto nível no Brasil."
The case was registered as "suspicious death – sudden death" at the 42nd Police District (Parque São Lucas). Forensic examination was performed at the location where the body was found by a friend. The cause of death has not been officially disclosed. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"O caso foi registrado como morte suspeita – morte súbita no 42º DP (Parque São Lucas)."
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (1)
Conflicting versions (1)
Alternative explanation of cause of death based on online community discussions
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What was the medical cause of Gabriel Ganley's death?
Why it's still unknown: SSP-SP only confirmed no signs of violence were found, but did not release medical report or official cause of death
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What exactly was the supplementation and hormone protocol used by Ganley in the Open category?
Why it's still unknown: Outlets mention he migrated to the category that allows hormones, but don't detail which specific substances he used