Venezuela Earthquake: Miss Grand Orlando 2025 Skarlent Rodriguez and Boyfriend José Castro Found Dead; Tributes Pour In
Miss Grand Orlando 2025 Skarlent Rodriguez, 23, & boyfriend José Castro were found dead June 29, 2026, after devastating magnitude 7.2 & 7.5 Venezuela earthquakes on June 24, 2026. Trapped in their collapsed apartment, the quakes claimed 2,595+ lives, with tens of thousands missing, and sparked a humanitarian crisis.
The international beauty pageant community and Venezuela are in mourning following the tragic deaths of Miss Grand Orlando 2025, Skarlent Rodriguez, and her boyfriend, José Castro. The couple's bodies were recovered on June 29, 2026, from the rubble of their collapsed apartment building in Catia La Mar, La Guaira state, five days after a series of devastating earthquakes rocked northern Venezuela. The catastrophic twin earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck on the evening of June 24, 2026, with epicentres west of Caracas. The seismic event caused widespread destruction, particularly in La Guaira and the capital, leading to the collapse of numerous buildings and triggering extensive search and rescue operations. What Is a Doublet Earthquake? Venezuela Hit by Twin Quakes Just 39 Seconds Apart.
Venezuela in Grief After Skarlent and José's Death
Skarlent Rodriguez, a 23-year-old Venezuelan model and Monster Energy Girl who had represented Orlando in the Miss Grand Florida system, and her boyfriend José Castro had been missing since the earthquakes. Relatives confirmed their heartbreaking discovery after an intensive search, sharing the devastating update through a GoFundMe campaign established to cover funeral expenses. "Sadly, today June 29, 2026, both were found dead... side by side, together until the end," a statement from their loved ones read.
Miss Grand Organization Offers Tribute to Skarlent Rodriguez
Skarlent Rodriguez, known for her elegance, kindness, strength, and grace, was a beloved figure within the pageant world. The Miss Grand Florida organisation expressed their profound sorrow, remembering her as a "treasured member of its pageant family" whose "radiant smile, warm spirit, and unwavering positivity touched everyone she encountered." The organisation shared a post with a special message and pictures of Skarlent while working with the pageant.
Miss Grand Florida Pays Tribute to Skarlent Rodriguez - See Post:
View this post on Instagram
The Miss Grand Florida emotional message for Skarlent Rodriguez read: "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. During this time of immense sorrow, the Miss Grand Florida Pageant extends its deepest condolences to Skarlent’s family, friends, and loved ones. We stand with them in solidarity, love, and prayer as they navigate this painful loss. We ask our community to join us in honoring her memory with compassion and respect and to keep her loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. Please make a contribution to the family's GoFundMe."
Miss Grand Florida first shared a statement upon learning about the death of Skarlent Rodriguez. The caption also read: "We are heartbroken beyond words by this unimaginable tragedy. There are simply no words that can fully express the profound sorrow our Miss Grand Florida family is experiencing. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this incredibly difficult time. We kindly ask that you continue to keep Skarlent's family in your thoughts and, if you are able, consider supporting them through their GoFundMe as they navigate this heartbreaking loss. May Skarlent's beautiful spirit and legacy live on in our hearts forever."
Miss Grand Florida Statement on Skarlent Rodriguez Death - See Post:
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Miss Grand Florida (@missgrandflorida)
Miss Grand International also conveyed its deepest condolences, stating on Instagram: "With profound sorrow, we mourn the tragic passing of Skarlent Rodríguez, Miss Grand Orlando 2025, following the devastating earthquake that struck Venezuela. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, loved ones, and all those affected by this heartbreaking disaster. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Venezuela during this difficult time. May they find strength, comfort, and unity as they navigate the days ahead. May she rest in eternal peace."
Miss Grand International Pays Tribute to Skarlent Rodriguez - See Post:
View this post on Instagram
The Aftermath of Venezuela Earthquakes
The June 24 earthquakes have unleashed a humanitarian crisis across Venezuela. Official reports indicate that at least 2,595 people have been killed, over 12,500 injured, and tens of thousands remain missing. The powerful tremors, described as the strongest in Venezuela since the 1900 San Narciso earthquake, have damaged or compromised at least 38 hospitals nationwide and left nearly 800 buildings collapsed.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, but the scale of the devastation has overwhelmed resources. International aid organizations, including PAHO/WHO, have highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian assistance, as millions were already vulnerable before the disaster.
Key Facts of Venezuela Earthquakes and Their iImpact:
- Date of Venezuela Earthquakes: June 24, 2026
- Magnitudes: Mw 7.2 and Mw 7.5
- Affected Region: Northern Venezuela, particularly La Guaira state and Catia La Mar
- Confirmed Deaths: At least 2,595, as of July 3, 2026
- Injured: Over 12,500 people
- Missing: Tens of thousands of people
- Confirmed Dead (Skarlent Rodriguez & José Castro): June 29, 2026.
The loss of Skarlent Rodriguez and José Castro serves as a sombre reminder of the widespread personal tragedies unfolding amidst Venezuela's catastrophic natural disaster. Their families continue to seek support as they navigate this unimaginable grief.
Celebrity Deaths in Venezuela Earthquakes
Among the celebrity deaths in Venezuela earthquakes was footballer Argentine footballer Lucas Trejo's wife, Yanina Maranella, and their children, Aaron (5) and Ainhoa (7). The family's apartment building in Playa Grande, La Guaira, collapsed during the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude tremors on une 24. Argentine Footballer Lucas Trejo's Wife, Two Children Killed in Devastating Venezuela Earthquakes.
Venezuelan footballer Héctor Bello's wife Andrea Bello died while protecting their baby daughter Alana in the earthquake. Venezuelan footballer Yimvert Berroteran died at only 18 years of age in the devastating earthquake.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 03, 2026 02:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
