In a heartbreaking turn of events, Florida beauty queen Skarlent Rodriguez and her boyfriend, José Castro, were discovered deceased amidst the rubble caused by devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. Their bodies were located on June 29, four days after the twin tremors struck near the capital, Caracas.
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The tragic news was confirmed by the families of the couple, who shared their grief through a statement on a joint GoFundMe page. Reports indicate that both Skarlent and José were found side by side, a poignant detail that highlights the bond they shared. The earthquakes, which recorded magnitudes of 7.1 and 7.5, have left a profound impact on the region, claiming thousands of lives and resulting in widespread destruction.
Rodriguez, renowned for her participation as Miss Grand Orlando 2025, was also recognised for her role as a Monster Energy Girl. She was originally from Venezuela but had migrated to the United States to pursue her modelling career. Her crowning as Miss Grand Orlando was a significant milestone in her life, marking her as a prominent figure in the pageant community.
The statement from the families not only announced the heartbreaking discovery of the couple but also revealed the tragic loss of additional family members within Castro’s family. His father, grandmother, uncle, and aunt were among those who perished as a result of the earthquakes, leaving a profound sense of sorrow in their wake. The families are now calling for support through the GoFundMe page to assist with the escalating funeral costs.
In a message of remembrance, the Miss Grand Orlando pageant expressed their sorrow over Rodriguez’s untimely death. They praised her beauty, accomplishments, and the uplifting spirit she brought to those around her. “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,” they stated, extending condolences to her family and friends during this painful time.
The wider community has also expressed their condolences. Monster Energy, the company for which Rodriguez modelled, shared a heartfelt tribute following the news of her passing. “Skarlent’s beautiful spirit touched so many lives, and her smile will never be forgotten,” they wrote, acknowledging the profound loss felt by her friends and colleagues.
The earthquakes have had a catastrophic impact on Venezuela, with recent reports indicating that over 2,295 people have lost their lives and approximately 11,200 others have been injured. The country’s National Assembly president, Jorge Rodríguez, provided these figures at a press conference, detailing the severity of the situation and the urgency for assistance.
Compounding the tragedy, more than 57,000 individuals have been reported missing in the aftermath of the earthquakes, as highlighted by the missing persons website Desaparecidos Terremoto Venezuela. While about 7,800 of these individuals have been located, nearly 50,000 remain unaccounted for, raising fears for their safety in the chaotic aftermath of the natural disasters.
As rescue efforts continue, the families of Rodriguez and Castro, along with many others affected by the earthquakes, find themselves confronting the formidable challenges of grief and rebuilding. The devastating consequences of this calamity will resonate within communities across Venezuela and beyond for years to come, as the people seek to recover from the loss of beloved individuals and the destruction of their homes.
In the midst of this tragedy, the outpouring of support from friends, family, and the wider community stands as a testament to the impact Skarlent Rodriguez had in her short life. The forthcoming weeks will not only be a time of mourning but also of reflection as those who knew her cherish the memories of her vibrancy and spirit.