Author: Gloria Darren

Cynthia James Death: It is with deep sorrow and profound sadness that we announce the passing of a truly remarkable woman, Cynthia James, known to many as CJ. She passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 5th, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. While our hearts are heavy with grief, we also feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the legacy she leaves behind, one that has touched countless lives and continues to resonate within the bodybuilding community and beyond.

CJ was not just a creator; she was an icon, a trailblazer, and a friend to many. For over 30 years, her impact on the world of bodybuilding was immeasurable. She made her mark not only as a talented designer but as someone who deeply understood the spirit of the community she so loved. Her work has shaped the industry in ways that are too numerous to count, and it is with great reverence that we remember her contributions.

Those who knew CJ understood that her heart and soul were woven into every competition suit she made. She was not just creating garments; she was crafting masterpieces that helped each competitor feel confident, empowered, and beautiful. CJ had an uncanny ability to make each suit reflect the unique spirit of the individual who would wear it. It was this gift that set her apart—she didn’t just design, she connected. Her artistry and attention to detail were unparalleled, and her suits became synonymous with excellence in the bodybuilding world.

Cynthia James Obituary: Bodybuilder International Fitness And Bodybuilding Federation Icon Has Passed Away

CJ’s talent was a force to be reckoned with, but it wasn’t just her ability to create breathtaking designs that made her a legend. Her dedication to the bodybuilding community and to each competitor she worked with was second to none. Over the years, she became more than just a designer—she became a trusted confidante, a mentor, and a source of inspiration to those who worked with her. Many of us have experienced the joy and pride of wearing her designs, knowing that the work she put into each piece reflected not only her immense talent but her deep care for those she served.

Her impact extended far beyond the garments she created. CJ wasn’t just behind the scenes—she was also a visible, dynamic force in the community. She hosted bodybuilding events, organized shows, and was an active participant in shaping the industry. Her leadership and generosity of spirit were always evident, as she lent her time and expertise to help the next generation of competitors and creators. In every interaction, CJ exuded warmth, professionalism, and a genuine love for the sport.

CJ’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of many. Her absence will be profoundly felt, not only by those who were fortunate enough to wear her designs, but by the entire bodybuilding community. The space she filled was unique, and there will never be another quite like her. She was a pioneer in the industry, and her contributions will continue to echo through the many lives she touched.

Her legacy is not only in the beautiful suits she created, but also in the relationships she built and the love she shared. She was always ready with a word of encouragement, a listening ear, or a piece of advice. CJ truly understood the sacrifices and the hard work that went into the pursuit of excellence in bodybuilding, and she did everything she could to support others in their journey. Her kindness and generosity knew no bounds, and the joy she took in helping others succeed was evident in every aspect of her life.

To know CJ was to experience a level of warmth and authenticity that is rare in this world. She approached everything with sincerity, passion, and love, and that energy radiated to everyone around her. Whether you were a competitor, a colleague, or a friend, CJ made you feel valued, respected, and appreciated. She was a person who gave without hesitation, offering her time, her expertise, and most importantly, her heart.

As we reflect on the life of this extraordinary woman, we are reminded of the indelible mark she left on all of us. CJ’s contributions to the bodybuilding community have shaped the sport in ways that will continue for many years to come. She helped define an era, and her influence will be felt for generations.

At this time, as we mourn this profound loss, we ask that you join us in extending heartfelt condolences to CJ’s family, who have been by her side throughout this difficult journey. We know how deeply her passing is being felt by her loved ones, and our thoughts are with them as they grieve the loss of such an incredible woman.

We also extend our gratitude to everyone who supported CJ throughout her life. Her clients, friends, colleagues, and fellow bodybuilding enthusiasts—you were her inspiration, and you were her community. The love and support that CJ received from all of you meant the world to her, and it is a testament to the deep respect and admiration she earned over the years.

CJ’s family has requested privacy as they navigate this difficult time, and we kindly ask that you respect their wishes. While we grieve this immense loss, we can take comfort in knowing that CJ’s spirit will live on in the incredible garments she crafted and in the hearts of all who knew her. Her passion for the sport, her dedication to her craft, and the love she gave to those around her will never be forgotten.

As we say goodbye to CJ, we can take solace in the knowledge that her legacy is firmly cemented. The impact she had on the bodybuilding world will continue to inspire future generations of competitors, creators, and designers. Her work will live on in the many suits she designed, in the shows she hosted, and in the countless lives she touched through her kindness, generosity, and unwavering support.

CJ, you were more than just a designer—you were a friend, a mentor, and a guiding light to so many. Your passion, your energy, and your love will continue to inspire all of us as we carry your legacy forward. Thank you for everything you gave to this world, and to all of us who were fortunate enough to know you.

Rest in peace, CJ. You will be missed more than words can express, but your memory will live on in the beautiful creations you left behind and in the hearts of all who knew and loved you. Your spirit will forever remain a part of the fabric of this community.

Bryant Castrillo Death: Today, my world changed forever. The profound weight of this loss is beyond what any words can truly express, but I find myself writing, even through the fog of grief, in order to honor and remember my son, Bryant Leodan Castrillo. My boy, my warrior, passed away after a courageous two-month battle for his life, a battle that I never could have imagined would end this way.

It is difficult to put into words what Bryant meant to me, to our family, and to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He was not just a son, but a light—a beacon of strength, love, and resilience. From the very moment he came into this world, Bryant had a spirit that could not be broken. He was the first to remind us of the importance of living fully, of embracing each moment, and of giving everything we have to the people and things we care about. And even in his final moments, he reminded us, through his quiet strength, of what it means to fight and to love without reservation.

On February 4th, everything changed in an instant. Bryant was out with his friends, living his life, doing what so many young people do—laughing, sharing moments, making memories. But that day, his life was tragically interrupted by an unimaginable act of violence. Bryant was shot. What followed in the days and weeks after that moment felt like a nightmare that I couldn’t wake up from.

Bryant Castrillo Wynwood Area Florida Obituary: Beloved Son Dies Of Shooting

The shock was not just from the suddenness of what happened, but from the series of devastating medical battles that Bryant faced in the aftermath. The injuries he sustained were grave. Both of his legs had to be amputated, a loss that would have been incredibly difficult for anyone to bear, but Bryant bore it with a quiet dignity and an unwavering will to keep going. His body endured multiple organ failures, a widespread septic infection, and devastating brain damage. Despite the tireless efforts of the doctors, nurses, and medical professionals who worked around the clock to save him, it became clear that there was no path that would lead Bryant back home to us.

Through it all, Bryant fought with a strength that left me in awe. He was a true warrior. The doctors and staff were constantly amazed by his resilience. They marveled at how he continued to hold on, even when the odds seemed impossible. But no matter how much he fought, there came a point when his body simply could not continue the fight.

I stood by his side throughout, never once leaving his side. I was there when he first took his breath, and I was there when he took his last. I held his hand through it all, telling him how much I loved him, how proud I was of his bravery, and how much he meant to me. It’s a moment no mother should ever have to experience, but I take comfort in knowing that I was there for him, just as I had been for him from the very beginning.

The pain of losing my son is beyond words. This loss has broken me in ways I cannot fully describe. As a mother, there is no greater sorrow than seeing your child suffer, and no greater grief than losing that child. But beyond the sorrow is a deep and overwhelming sense of pride. Bryant was not just my son, he was a symbol of strength, love, and perseverance. He fought to the very end, showing us all what it means to never give up, even when life throws the hardest of challenges your way.

Bryant’s passing has shattered my heart, and it has shaken the very foundation of our entire family. We have lost a son, a brother, a nephew, a cousin, and a friend. His wife, his sister, his uncles and aunts, his cousins, his best friend, and so many others who loved him—each of us has been left with an emptiness that cannot be filled. But in our grief, we take comfort in the memories Bryant left behind. His laughter, his love, and his strength will always be with us. Though he is gone, his presence will continue to guide us in ways we cannot yet understand.

Bryant had a way of making everything brighter. His energy was infectious. He had a kind heart that always looked out for others, and he was the type of person who made those around him feel loved, valued, and seen. His spirit was truly something special. It didn’t matter what challenges he faced—he always approached life with a smile and a positive outlook. He was light, he was love, he was strength. And he was heart.

Bryant had a heart that could hold the world. He gave everything he had to the people he loved. I will forever carry his love with me, the memories of the times we shared—the laughter, the stories, the little moments that are now etched in my soul. Bryant taught me so much about what it means to love fiercely and to live fully. He showed me that no matter what life throws at you, it’s the way you face it that truly defines who you are. His courage in the face of such unimaginable pain was a testament to the warrior spirit that lived inside him.

In his two months of suffering, Bryant never once gave up. He fought for his life, for his family, and for those who loved him. He held on with everything he had, teaching us all what it means to truly live in the face of adversity. His fight was one of love, one of heart. It was a fight that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who were touched by him.

Bryant is gone, but I will carry him with me forever. A mother’s love doesn’t end with death. It transcends time, and it transcends space. My love for Bryant will never fade. It will never lessen. Even though I will no longer be able to hold him in my arms, his presence will be with me always—every day, in every moment, in every memory that I hold dear.

The loss of my son has left a hole in my heart, but I will not let that hole define me. Instead, I will let Bryant’s memory define how I live the rest of my life. I will honor his strength, his love, and his bravery by living with the same courage that he showed. I will carry his spirit with me, as will all those who knew him and loved him.

Bryant, my son, my warrior, you will never be forgotten. You will live on in the hearts of all who knew you. You were a gift to this world, and I am so proud to have been your mother. You fought with everything you had, and though you may no longer be here in body, your spirit will forever be with us. Rest in peace, Bryant. You will always be loved, always be remembered, and always be missed.