Demi Lovato’s ex Guilherme “Bomba” Vasconcelos has died. He was 38.
The Brazil-born MMA fighter’s uncle and godfather, Walter Vasconcelos Jr., announced the news via Facebook Tuesday.
“Sad, very sad your farewell, Guilherme Vasconcelos! And so far from us in the USA,” read an English translation of the post, which was originally written in Portuguese and accompanied by a black-and-white photo of the late athlete looking pensive.
“My dear nephew, my consecration godson, extreme father of little Naomi, much loved son of my sister Elisabete Vasconcelos partner of his brothers, Breno and Isabela and our extended family that today mourns his premature departure.”
Though a cause of death was not provided, Bomba’s uncle and godfather suggested his combative career may have played a role.
“You pursued your dreams in America as an MMA fighter, Guilherme Bomba, Brazilian champion, but we don’t think that she would also take you on a journey of no return, without any of us around,” the post continued.
“We were waiting for you to come for Christmas that will no longer happen. Life is a breath and we wake up to this heartbreaking news. What times we are living in We are praying for you! May the God who is able receive you in His infinite mercy and comfort all of us who have always loved you unconditionally!”
Bomba’s mother, Elisabete Vasconcelos, took to her own Facebook page to lament, “Eternal longing for my beloved son,” which was translated from its original Portuguese.
Bomba — who had recently been competing in the Jiu Jitsu World League — participated in 16 MMA competitions and appeared on Season 3 of the reality show “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil.”
He frequently posted about his fights and intense workouts; his most recent gym video was uploaded last Thursday.
In late August, Bomba informed his Instagram followers that he could not complete a jiu-jitsu tournament in Las Vegas, explaining in an English translation of his Portuguese post, “Unfortunately the injury I had in my lower back 1 month ago came back, and when I finished my first fight, I could no longer walk and had to abandon the competition.”
“One of the most frustrating situations that has ever happened to me in a competition,” he went on. “Now the focus is on my recovery.”
Soon after Lovato’s June 2016 split from actor Wilmer Valderrama — whom she dated for six years — she reportedly began “hooking up” with Bomba.
Us Weekly reported in July 2016 that the pair was “just having fun,” as the pop star, now 32, was “still looking to meet new guys” following her breakup.
The duo called it quits by May 2017, per People.
Lovato — who is currently engaged to musician Jutes — has not publicly commented on Bomba’s death, and her reps did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment.
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