Kennedy Evans Sánchez Jaenz, a 24-year-old athlete from Diriá, Granada, passed away on May 25, 2025, after a heart attack following a CrossFit competition in Managua, Nicaragua.
The beloved athlete, Kennedy, is survived by his 4-year-old son, parents, Dámaso and Rosalidia, brother, Genesis Calet Sánchez, and extended family.
His mother, Rosalidia Jaenz Pérez, described him as a charismatic and driven young man. The devoted father of a 4-year-old son, Kennedy, followed in the footsteps of his father, Dámaso Sánchez, by opening Zeus Gym Diriá, the first gym in his hometown.
Whereas, his brother, Genesis Calet Sánchez, shared that Kennedy’s greatest passions were sports and his son, saying, “He loved his family and gave so much to us.”
A talented athlete, Kennedy excelled in CrossFit, powerlifting, and bodybuilding. He won many competitions, including first place at the Crossnic Games 2024, Nortfest 2023, and the 2023 National Powerlifting Championship in the 66 kg category.
Kennedy also represented Nicaragua at the Costa Rica Palmawood event in April 2025.
In fact, he was more than an athlete; he was a motivator and coach.
His trainee, Isabel Martínez, remembered him as someone who encouraged others to believe in themselves.
Kennedy’s first coach, Will Zapata, said he learned CrossFit not just for himself but to teach others. He helped young people stay active and avoid addictions.
Following his tragic demise, condolences poured out on social media platforms. Cronica TN8 wrote:
Family, friends and the CrossFit community, remember with great affection and admiration the 24-year-old high-performance athlete Kennedy Evans Sanchez Jaenz, who passed away after a breakdown in a sports competition held in Managua.
Cronica TN8
The young man, originally from Diria, was the founder of the first gym of this municipality and a reference of healthy life and discipline.
Miguel Narvarz, Kennedy’s neighbor, wrote:
He was my neighbor and watched his effort
His discipline and commitment to his Office.
He was a young man trying as much as possible to be healthy.
What happened can happen to anyone.
But I’m more than sure it was something natural and not provoked
Kennedy’s funeral was held on May 26, 2025, in Diriá, where friends and family gathered to say goodbye.
During this ordeal, we offer our heartfelt condolences to Kennedy’s extended family.
Rest Easy, Kennedy Evans Sánchez Jaenz!
