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This story is about suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Former UFC fighter Godofredo Pepey was found dead in his Florida cell Saturday night of an apparent suicide, police said. He was 38 years old.
The Brazilian wrestler, who was in custody in connection with a domestic violence case, was discovered “unconscious” shortly before 8 p.m. by a detention officer conducting routine checks, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to Pak Gazette Digital.
Godofredo Pepey (red gloves) reacts after defeating Andre Fili during UFC Fight Night at the Ginasio do Maracanazinho in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on March 21, 2015. (Jason Silva/USA TODAY Sports)
Detectives said jail staff removed “a sheet” from around his neck and immediately began life-saving measures. Pepey was taken to Broward Health Medical Center, where he later died.
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Detectives said no foul play was suspected and his death is being investigated as an apparent suicide. The official cause of death is pending the coroner’s report.
Pepey, whose real name is Godofredo Castro de Oliveira, was arrested on domestic violence charges and held without bail following his arrest in June. According to online records, he faced four charges, including three felony counts of kidnapping, tampering with a victim and assault.
(L-R) Godofredo Pepey of Brazil punches Shane Burgos in their featherweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event inside the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, on July 22, 2017. (Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
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He also faced an additional charge of misdemeanor assault. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The incident involved the UFC fighter and his wife and was allegedly due to a “jealousy issue,” the New York Post reported, citing a police report. He was accused of dragging her by her hair and strangling her until she lost consciousness several times.
Godofredo Pepey during the weigh-ins for UFC Fight Night at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois on July 22, 2016. (Kamil Krzaczynski/USA TODAY Sports)
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According to the report, the attack left his wife with visible injuries to her face and neck.
Pepey was 5-6 in his UFC career, which lasted from 2012 to 2018. He last fought professionally in 2022.
