UFC Star Found Dead in Florida Prison Following Wife-Kidnapping, Strangling Charges

UFC Octagon (Hands on cage not related to Godofredo Pepey) (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)

Godofredo Pepey has passed away. Normally, this would be a tragic situation, but the charges he was facing were quite gruesome, and that ultimately led to his demise.

The former Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight died in what police say appears to be a suicide, according to TMZ.

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The 38-year-old was found unresponsive Saturday with a sheet around his neck in the Broward Sheriff’s Office main jail in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Emergency crews responded to the scene and transported him to Broward Health Medical Center, where they later pronounced him deceased. Authorities are suspecting any foul play in his death.

The last fighter to deal with domestic violence while under UFC’s banner was former NFL player Greg Hardy.

Just this past summer, he was arrested and charged with assault causing bodily injury to a family member.

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship Featherweight Godofredo Pepey Was Facing Disturbing Charges Before His Death

Sep 24, 2016; Brasilia, Brazil; Godofredo Pepey (red gloves) defeats Mike De La Torre (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Nilson Nelson Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports

Ex-UFC fighter Godofredo “Pepey” Castro has reportedly committed suicide amid a slew of charges he was facing.

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He had been behind bars since June on domestic violence charges, which included kidnapping, domestic violence by strangulation, witness tampering, and battery.

The former UFC fighter was said to have allegedly assaulted his wife during an attack that started due to an argument over a “jealousy issue.”

Castro allegedly dragged his wife back by her hair into their home and promptly choked her until she lost consciousness three times, the woman told police, before he threw her to the ground and “smashed her head into the ground repeatedly face down.”

Responding police noticed injuries to her face and redness around her neck.

Godofredo Pepey pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the case was ongoing.

His wife’s attorney, Gaudenio Santiago, said in a statement to Brazilian media that “the death of someone in custody is a serious matter.”

He also asked for “respect for the family” and “that you avoid malicious comments and speculation, so as not to cause further suffering,” Santiago said in a statement.

Pepey competed 11 times in UFC after appearing on “The Ultimate Fighter Brazil, Season 1.” His record was 5-6 in UFC and 13-7 overall as a pro.