Professional bodybuilder Ross Caesar has paid an emotional tribute to Carlos Tavares, a rival and fellow Bermuda champion.

Tavares, 62, went overboard at the foot of the cliff near the car park at Ducking Stool Park on North Shore in Pembroke on October 3 and did not resurface.

His body was eventually recovered the next morning by police and the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coastguard after the initial search was called off at nightfall because of increasingly poor sea conditions.

Tavares was a dominant force in the sport during his heyday, having been crowned Bermuda champion several times.

Caesar, a six-times champion, recalls competing against Tavares on the big stage.

“Carlos was probably the most formidable opponent that I have competed against here,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“In my early years competing here in Bermuda, Carlos was one of the most feared names in terms of bodybuilding — for me and, I guess, any other male competitor. Knowing that Carlos was competing, you had your hands full as he always presented well onstage.

“We competed against each other for a few years and I can remember trying my best to beat him onstage. He was a very, very good bodybuilder and probably won the most Mr Bermuda titles.

“Carlos was the popular guy then and a very good bodybuilder. He was very charismatic in the gym and was always smiling. He had a good character in the gym and onstage as well.

“We got along pretty well onstage and offstage, so I was really saddened to hear of his passing.”

Caesar also fondly recalls having his last conversation in person with Tavares.

“The last time I saw him was earlier this year,” he said. “He had popped by the gym to say hello and we had a good, positive conversation. He was in good spirits, looked good and we had a good conversation.

“This just shows you how life can be very, very short, so we can’t at any point in time take anything, anyone or any day for granted.

“We wake up and have to be grateful we have breath and always try to make the most out of every day. It does not matter how bad of a day we think we’re having because it’s always something positive within that day that we can lean on to and appreciate.

“Carlos will be sadly missed. I am sure he will rest in peace and my condolences go out to him and all his family and friends.”

An investigation into Tavares’s death is under way. with the Bermuda Police Service appealing for anyone with information to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Andy Beaupierre, on 717-2166 or via e-mail at abeaupierre@bps.bm.

Information can also be provided by calling 211 or using the BPS online community reporting portal.