A 23-year-old beauty queen and her boyfriend have been found dead side-by-side under rubble after Venezuela’s devastating earthquake.
Skarlent Rodríguez was found next to José Castro beneath the collapsed apartment building where they both lived.
The model, who was crowned Miss Grand Orlando 2025, became trapped when the building in Catia La Mar, La Guaira State, one of the hardest-hit coastal areas, crumbled during the powerful quakes on 24 June.
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Their bodies were recovered lying side by side on Monday (29 Jun).
The couple’s families announced the news via a joint GoFundMe campaign launched to cover funeral expenses, stating: “Sadly, they were both found dead, side by side, together until the very end.
“There are no words to describe the pain we are living.”
They also thanked supporters who helped spread awareness and assisted during the search operation.
Skarlent, originally from Venezuela and based in Florida in the US, had gained recognition in the pageant world after winning the Miss Grand Orlando title last year.
Miss Grand Florida paid tribute on social media, describing her as “a treasured part of our Grand family” with a “radiant smile, warm spirit, and unwavering positivity”.
The organisation also expressed condolences to her family and those affected by the disaster.
The Ivana García Modeling Academy, where Rodríguez trained, remembered her elegance, sweetness, strength and beautiful smile.
José’s family suffered multiple losses in the quakes, including his father, grandmother, uncle and aunt, as reported by Need To Know.
The 24 June earthquakes, including a 7.2-magnitude tremor followed closely by a stronger 7.5-magnitude event, caused widespread destruction, collapsing buildings and leaving thousands displaced.
Venezuelan authorities have reported a rising death toll, with figures exceeding 1,700 in some updates, alongside thousands injured.
Rescue and recovery efforts continue in affected regions as communities begin the long process of rebuilding after one of the country’s most severe natural disasters in recent years.
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