Florida Beauty Queen Dies Alongside Boyfriend in Venezuela Quake: ‘Together Until the Very End’

Skarlent Rodríguez, the model crowned Miss Grand Orlando 2025, has died alongside her boyfriend, José Castro, following the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24.

Their deaths were confirmed the night of Monday, June 29, after the couple had been missing for days, according to an article HOLA! published on Wednesday, July 1.

The family of Rodríguez is remembering the beauty queen and her boyfriend, Castro, as inseparable in life and in death. “Sadly, they were both found dead … side by side, together until the very end,” the family wrote in a GoFundMe campaign set up to cover funeral costs, thanking supporters who helped spread awareness during the search.

According to the article, Rodríguez and Castro had been missing for days after the pair of earthquakes, which left thousands displaced and caused widespread destruction across La Guaira state. The couple’s apartment building in the coastal community of Catia La Mar collapsed in the disaster, trapping them beneath the rubble.

Rodríguez, 23, had recently stepped into the spotlight after winning the Miss Grand Orlando 2025 title, per HOLA!. Though she didn’t advance past that year’s Miss Grand Florida competition, she remained a familiar and admired presence within the pageant community, known for her dedication to modeling and public appearances.

Tributes poured in following the news of her death. Miss Grand Florida pageant organization posted to Instagram on Tuesday, June 30, writing, “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 post continued, “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.”

Rodríguez and Castro’s deaths are among the many losses emerging from Venezuela’s deadliest earthquakes in recent memory. Authorities are continuing search, rescue and recovery efforts as displaced families across the region work to rebuild.