A TV presenter has died of cervical cancer aged 28.
Raquel Escalante had been battling the disease since February last year.
The former beauty queen tearfully asked for financial help to pay for kidney surgery in January,
The model was awaiting a kidney transplant when she died of kidney failure on Friday (28 Nov).
READ MORE: Fly tipper caught dumping rubbish in street blighted by rats
Raquel was best known as the presenter of ‘Qué Chilero’ and other shows on TV Azteca Guate, as reported by Need To Know.
She kept her 88,000 Instagram followers aware of her progress during her cancer battle.
In one of her final posts in April, she shared glamorous photos with the message: “I’m not a model in these photos, I’m a woman who has experienced pain, who has faced fear, and who still chooses to keep shining.
“This is me: body, soul, and spirit in God’s hands.
“And if this image touches your heart, let it be a reminder that you, too, can get up, again and again.”
Raquel, originally from Santa Rosa in Guatemala, began her modelling journey at a young age and participated in numerous national and international events.
She took part in the Miss Tourism World finals in China in 2017.
In 2021, she was crowned Miss Guatemala Intercontinental and became one of the country’s most beloved representatives.
She moved into television and became a beloved face on TV Azteca Guate.
A channel spokesperson said: “The TV Azteca Guate family joins in solidarity with her parents, loved ones, friends, and fans, accompanying them in this moment of profound sorrow.
“We thank Raquel for her dedication, her ever-present smile, and for illuminating our screens with a talent that will forever remain in our memory.
“Rest in peace, Raquel Escalante.
“Your legacy will live forever in Guatemala’s heart.”
READ MORE: Woman caught with 6lb of cocaine hidden in Pokémon and Stitch soft toys
