Legendary Miss Venezuela pageant coach Gisselle Reyes is mourning the heartbreaking loss of her mother following the devastating earthquake that struck Venezuela's northern coast this week. Reyes shared the tragic news in an emotional statement posted to her Instagram Stories, thanking supporters for their messages of love and solidarity while revealing the circumstances surrounding her mother's death.
According to Reyes, her mother was staying at Residencias Los Monjes in Playa Grande, La Guaira, one of the residential buildings that completely collapsed during the powerful earthquake. "Thank you to everyone who has sent me messages of solidarity, affection and support following the death of my mother," Reyes wrote in Spanish. "I have no words to thank you for so much love at such a painful moment."
© Getty ImagesShe explained that the information her family received indicates her mother died from a heart attack caused by the impact and terror of the earthquake, rather than from injuries sustained in the building collapse.
Reyes also shared that her mother's caregiver, who had remained with her throughout the emergency, was rescued alive and was the person who delivered the devastating news to the family. "Her nurse, who cared for her and stayed with her, was rescued alive and was the one who gave us this devastating news," Reyes wrote.
© Gisselle ReyesShe concluded her message by thanking everyone who has kept her family in their prayers. "Thank you for accompanying me with your prayers, your respect, and your understanding during these very difficult moments."
Reyes is widely regarded as one of the most influential beauty pageant coaches in Latin America. Known as the "queen maker" behind numerous Miss Venezuela and Miss Universe contestants, she has spent decades preparing delegates for national and international pageants, helping shape the careers of several beauty queens, including Lina Luaces and Yamilex Hernández.
Reyes’ daughter, Sofia Reyes, who lives in Spain, dedicated a few words to her late grandmother.
© Sofia ReyesTheir personal tragedy comes as Venezuela continues to grapple with the aftermath of one of the deadliest natural disasters in its modern history.
© Anadolu via Getty ImagesAuthorities say the powerful twin earthquakes caused catastrophic destruction across northern Venezuela, with La Guaira among the hardest-hit regions. More than 100 buildings reportedly collapsed in the state, including the residential complex where Reyes' mother was staying.
© AFP via Getty ImagesRescue crews continue searching for survivors as the death toll has climbed to over 188 people, with more than 1,500 injured, as informed by The Guardian.
The disaster has prompted an international humanitarian response as emergency crews race to assist victims and recover those still trapped beneath the rubble.
