The mixed martial arts community is grappling with the sudden death of former UFC fighter Godofredo ‘Pepey’ Castro. The 38-year-old Brazilian athlete was found unresponsive in his prison cell in Fort Lauderdale and was later pronounced dead at a nearby medical center. His passing comes just months after his initial arrest, marking a tragic end to a life that was once celebrated in the world of professional sports.
Castro had been in custody since his arrest on June 30 in Deerfield Beach, Florida. He was being held without bond on serious charges, including domestic battery by strangulation, kidnapping, and tampering with a victim. The allegations stemmed from a reported argument with a female victim, whom authorities identified as his wife, Samara Mello. The legal proceedings were ongoing, and Castro had denied all the charges against him.
According to court documents, the incident that led to his arrest was triggered by a “jealousy” issue. The prosecution alleged that Castro had taken the victim’s phone, dragged her by her hair, and choked her until she lost consciousness. Further claims stated that he threw her to the ground and repeatedly beat her in the face. These severe allegations had cast a dark shadow over the former fighter’s public persona.
The news of his death was delivered to his wife and her lawyer on Sunday. In a statement, the lawyer asked for respect and privacy for the family during this difficult time, urging the public to avoid speculation. A spokesperson for the department confirmed that emergency services responded to the scene but that foul play is not currently suspected in Castro’s death, though the circumstances remain under review.
Tributes from the fighting world have begun to surface, highlighting the complex legacy Castro leaves behind. A former colleague posted an emotional message on social media, calling Castro a “partner, a friend, a brother” and expressing profound sadness at the loss. Castro, a veteran of 11 UFC fights, had last competed as a professional in early 2022, closing a chapter on a career that was now overshadowed by legal troubles and a premature death.
