Former UFC featherweight Godofredo “Pepey” Castro was found dead in a Florida prison on Sunday. He was 38 years old.
Castro (14-7) was being held on domestic violence charges stemming from a June altercation with his wife, Samara Mello. The TUF Brazil Season 1 veteran was arrested in Deerfield Beach, Florida, and faced multiple charges, including kidnapping with bodily harm, intimidation of a victim, domestic assault, and obstruction of communication with police, among others.
TUF Brazil teammate Rony Mariano Bezerra posted the news in a video on Instagram.
“I’m here to bring some terrible news. Unfortunately, we lost our partner, Godfredo Pepey. Unfortunately, he couldn’t handle the pressure and ended up taking his own life, may this serve as an example. Fighters can be very strong physically, but if their mind is unstable, they can end up committing an act like this. Very sad to lose this great partner, an unparalleled guy. A partner, a friend, a brother. Wherever you are, may God bless you. I love you brother,” he said (h/t Sherdog)
No official cause of death has been released as of yet, but Bezerra claims Castro committed suicide in his cell. No official statements have been made by the UFC or anyone else.
