A powerful earthquake that struck Venezuela has left several communities in mourning after claiming the lives of Skarlent Rodríguez, the 2025 Miss Orlando titleholder, and her partner, José Castro.
The disaster occurred on June 24, 2026, when a strong quake hit the coastal area of Catia La Mar in La Guaira state, causing severe destruction of buildings and infrastructure. Residential structures collapsed, trapping many residents under rubble.
Rodríguez and Castro were reported missing shortly after the earthquake. Rescue teams and local authorities carried out search operations for several days before recovering their bodies from the remains of their collapsed home. According to family members, the couple was found lying close together, highlighting their final moments side by side.
Relatives confirmed the deaths on June 29, 2026, through a public statement shared on social media. The message described the emotional pain the family is enduring and emphasized that the couple remained together until the end.
The family statement said that they were deeply heartbroken and that no words could fully describe their pain, adding that the couple remained together until their final moments.
Venezuelan authorities have described the earthquake as one of the most destructive natural disasters in recent years. Officials report that at least 2,300 people have died, while thousands of others have been injured. Search-and-rescue operations continue in several affected areas as teams work to locate survivors.
Skarlent Rodríguez was a young model and beauty queen recognized for her participation in pageantry. She held the Miss Grand Orlando 2025 title and was known for her presence in the Florida pageant scene.
About Orlando
Orlando, Florida, is a major city located in the United States, in the state of Florida. It is widely known as a global tourism hub, home to world-famous attractions such as Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort. The city is one of the most visited destinations in the United States, attracting millions of tourists every year.
The Miss Grand Florida organization paid tribute to Rodríguez, honoring her contributions and personality. In an official statement, the organization highlighted her elegance, kindness, and positive influence.
“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.”
The tragic event has sparked widespread condolences on social media, with many mourning the loss of a rising public figure and the thousands of lives lost in the earthquake.
Authorities in Venezuela continue to assess the full scale of the disaster as rescue operations remain ongoing in the hardest-hit regions.
