Former UFC featherweight Godofredo “Pepey” Castro has died while in custody in Florida.
According to Fox Sports, Castro, 38, was found unresponsive in his cell over the weekend and later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, according to local authorities.
Officials from the Broward Sheriff’s Office said Castro was discovered with a sheet tied around his neck. Emergency responders attempted lifesaving measures before transferring him to the hospital, where he was declared deceased. The incident is being investigated as an apparent suicide.
Castro had been held in the county jail since June. Court records show he was facing multiple charges, including kidnapping and domestic violence, stemming from an alleged altercation with his wife. He had pleaded not guilty, and legal proceedings were still ongoing at the time of his death.
Following the news, the attorney representing Castro’s wife, Samara Mello, issued a statement urging patience and privacy while authorities complete their review.
“The death of someone in custody is a serious matter,” the statement read. “There are procedures that must be followed by the American authorities, and any and all news will be released by those authorities. Until then, we ask for respect for the family and that speculation be avoided.”
Members of the MMA community reacted online, including fellow Brazilian fighter and longtime friend Rony Bezerra.
In a post shared to his social media, Bezerra confirmed Castro’s passing and reflected on their history in the sport. “Very sad to lose this partner, a friend, a brother,” he wrote. “Wherever you are, may God bless you.”
Castro rose to prominence in 2012 as a finalist on the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil. He went on to compete 11 times in the UFC’s featherweight division, earning five wins and three post-fight performance bonuses during his run.
Castro was released by the promotion in 2018 following a loss to Mirsad Bektic and continued fighting on the regional circuit through 2022.
No further details regarding the circumstances of his death have been released. The investigation remains open.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.