The pageant community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Venezuelan model Skarlent Rodríguez, who was crowned Miss Grand Orlando 2025. Rodríguez and her boyfriend, José Castro, were found dead after spending several days missing following the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24.
Their deaths were confirmed Monday night by family members after an intensive search operation in the heavily affected coastal region of Catia La Mar, located in La Guaira state, one of the areas hit hardest by the powerful seismic disaster, as informed by LaPatilla.com.
© Skarlent RodríguezCouple Was Trapped Beneath Collapsed Apartment Building
According to reports from Venezuelan media and statements shared by relatives, Rodríguez and Castro became trapped beneath the rubble when the apartment building where they lived collapsed during the earthquakes. Search and rescue teams spent days combing through the debris as loved ones desperately hoped the couple would be found alive. Sadly, those hopes ended when their bodies were recovered.
The family shared the devastating update through a GoFundMe campaign created to help cover funeral expenses. "Sadly, they were both found dead... side by side, together until the very end," the family wrote while thanking supporters for helping spread awareness and assisting with search efforts during the difficult days following the disaster.
Skarlent Rodríguez Was Building a Career in Modeling
Rodríguez, 23, had recently gained recognition after winning the Miss Grand Orlando 2025 title. Originally from Venezuela, she had been pursuing a modeling career while remaining closely connected to her home country.
© Skarlent RodríguezAlthough she did not advance to win the Miss Grand Florida title, Rodríguez had become a familiar face within the pageant community and was admired for her dedication to modeling and public appearances.
Miss Grand Organizations Pay Tribute
Following confirmation of her death, Miss Grand Florida and the Miss Grand International organization paid emotional tributes to Rodríguez on social media. Miss Grand Florida remembered her as "a treasured part of our Grand family" and celebrated the memories she created during her time as Miss Grand Orlando 2025.
Meanwhile, Miss Grand International expressed its condolences to Rodríguez's family and everyone affected by the tragedy, mourning the loss of the young beauty queen following the catastrophic earthquakes.
Families Launch Fundraiser for Funeral Costs
In addition to grieving the loss of Rodríguez and Castro, both families now face significant financial challenges. Relatives explained that the lengthy search and recovery operation created substantial expenses, prompting them to launch a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for funeral and burial costs.
The fundraiser also serves as a tribute to the couple, thanking supporters who assisted with search efforts and shared information while they remained missing. Family members described Rodríguez and Castro as inseparable, saying they remained together until the very end.
Venezuela Continues to Recover From Deadly Earthquakes
The deaths of Rodríguez and Castro are among the many personal tragedies emerging from the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24. The twin earthquakes caused widespread destruction across several regions, particularly in La Guaira state, collapsing residential buildings, hotels, and other structures while leaving thousands of families displaced.
© AFP via Getty ImagesAuthorities continue search, rescue, and recovery efforts as communities work to rebuild following one of the country's deadliest natural disasters in recent history.
