Beauty queen, boyfriend found dead after Venezuela earthquake

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July 2, 2026 | 11:22am

MANILA, Philippines — Miss Grand International followers are mourning the passing of Miss Grand Orlando 2025 Skarlent Rodriguez.

Skarlent and her boyfriend, Jose Castro, were among those killed in the devastating twin earthquakes, 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, that struck Venezuela on June 24.

She is a Venezuelan model based in Orlando, Florida, USA, where she was crowned Miss Grand Orlando last year. But she didn't win the title of Miss Grand Florida.

The bodies of Skarlent and her boyfriend were found in their collapsed apartment in Catia La Mar, La Guaira, Venezuela after five days.

According to Prensa Punto Fijo, a media company in Venezuela, the couple was buried in the collapsed building when the powerful earthquake struck.

"The well-known Venezuelan model Skarlent Rodriguez, was found lifeless with her boyfriend, José Castro, after remaining missing since the fateful earthquakes that shook the country last June 24," the media reported.

"The couple got trapped among the rubble of the building where their apartment was located, in Catia La Mar, La Guaira state. After several days of intense search work, their relatives confirmed the unfortunate finding of both bodies on Monday night.

"'Sadly, today June 29, 2026, both were found dead... side by side, together until the end,' their loved ones reported through a campaign posted on GoFundMe," it added. 

The family has started a fundraising campaign to cover their funeral costs, explaining that the search and retrieval operation generated high costs. 

Miss Grand Florida also released a statement regarding Skarlent's passing.

"Celebrating the beautiful moments she shared with us during her journey as Miss Grand Orlando 2025. She will forever remain a treasured part of our Grand family.

"Skarlent embodied elegance, kindness, strength, and grace. As a former Miss Grand Orlando, she represented the values of confidence, compassion, and empowerment that our organization proudly upholds. Her radiant smile, warm spirit, and unwavering positivity touched everyone she encountered, both on and off the stage.

"She will be remembered not only for her beauty and accomplishments but also for the way she uplifted others and carried herself with dignity and light. Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of her fellow queens, judges, directors, and all members of the Miss Grand Florida family."

RELATED: Venezuela quakes kill almost 1,500, with millions more in need