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This story is about suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please contact Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Former UFC fighter Godofredo Pepey was found dead in his Florida prison cell Saturday evening following an apparent suicide, police said. He was 38 years old.
The Brazilian fighter, who was in custody in connection with a domestic violence case, was discovered “unresponsive” shortly before 8 p.m. by a detention officer conducting routine checks, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to PK Press Club Digital.
Godofredo Pepey (red gloves) reacts after defeating Andre Fili during UFC Fight Night at Ginasio do Maracanazinho in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, March 21, 2015. (Jason Silva/USA TODAY Sports)
Detectives said jail staff removed “a sheet” from around his neck and immediately began taking life-saving measures. Pepey was transferred to Broward Health Medical Center, where he later died.
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Detectives said no foul play is suspected and his death is being investigated as an apparent suicide. The official cause of death is pending a medical examiner’s report.
Pepey, whose real name is Godofredo Castro de Oliveira, was arrested on domestic violence charges and held without bail after his arrest in June. According to online records, he faced four charges, including three felony charges of kidnapping, tampering with a victim and battery.
(L-R) Brazil’s Godofredo Pepey punches Shane Burgos during their featherweight bout at UFC Fight Night at 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 misdemeanor battery charge. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The incident involved the UFC fighter and his wife and was believed to be due to a “jealousy issue,” the New York Post reported, citing a police report. He was accused of dragging her by the hair and strangling her until she lost consciousness several times.
Godofredo Pepey during the UFC Fight Night weigh-ins 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 went 5-6 during his UFC career which lasted from 2012 to 2018. He last fought professionally in 2022.
