Venezuelan Earthquake Tragedy: Former U.S. Beauty Pageant Winner Dies

"Miss Grand Orlando 2025" Winner
Missing After Earthquake... Found in the Rubble

A Venezuelan model who had previously won a regional beauty pageant in the United States has died as a result of a series of powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela. She had gone missing after the earthquake and was found four days later among the rubble of a collapsed building.

Model Rodriguez, who died due to the earthquake in Venezuela. Rodriguez's Instagram

According to People magazine and other U.S. media outlets on July 2 (local time), Scalente Rodriguez, who won the title of "Miss Grand Orlando 2025," was found dead on June 29 in the debris of a collapsed building in Venezuela. Her boyfriend, Jose Castro, who had also been missing, was discovered at the same site.

The two lost contact after two earthquakes struck northern Venezuela on June 24. Their family and friends searched for them using social media and other channels, and after an extensive search effort, the two were found side by side, both deceased.

The bereaved family announced the deaths through a post on an online fundraising site, saying, "After days of searching, the two were found by each other's side." It was also reported that Castro's father, grandmother, uncle, and aunt were among those killed in the earthquake. The family is now raising funds to cover the funeral expenses for the victims.

Rodriguez, originally from Venezuela, had worked as a model and beauty pageant contestant in the United States. Last year, she won the "Miss Grand Orlando 2025" beauty pageant in Orlando, Florida, and also served as a promotional model for an energy drink company.

The Miss Grand Orlando organization expressed its condolences upon hearing of Rodriguez's passing, stating, "She will be remembered not only for her appearance and achievements, but also for uplifting those around her and radiating dignity and positivity." The company where Rodriguez worked also paid tribute, saying, "We will never forget her beautiful spirit and smile."

Meanwhile, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), on June 24, Venezuela was struck by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake, followed just 39 seconds later by a magnitude 7.5 quake. These two earthquakes caused widespread building collapses and significant casualties, especially in La Guaira state in the north.

As of July 1, Venezuelan authorities reported 2,295 deaths and over 11,200 injuries. Satellite image analysis estimated that approximately 59,000 buildings were either damaged or destroyed.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.