Venezuelan Beauty Queen Skarlent Rodríguez and Partner Found Dead After Earthquake Collapses Apartment Building
The families of 23-year-old beauty queen Skarlent Rodríguez and her partner, José Castro, have confirmed that the couple were found dead beneath the rubble of their apartment building following the devastating earthquake that struck Venezuela.
The discovery came after days of search and rescue operations in La Guaira, where emergency crews and volunteers worked tirelessly to locate survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures. Their deaths have added to the growing toll of one of the country’s deadliest natural disasters in recent years.
Rodríguez, who was crowned Miss Grand Orlando 2025, had been living with Castro in an apartment building that collapsed during the powerful earthquake.
Family members confirmed that both were recovered from the debris on June 29 after rescue teams spent several days searching the site. According to relatives, the couple was found together beneath the ruins.
In a statement shared publicly after the recovery, the Rodríguez-Castro family thanked everyone who had participated in the search.
“We want to thank everyone who accompanied us in the search for our beloved Skarlent Rodríguez and José Castro,” the family wrote.
“Sadly, today, June 29, 2026, they were both found without life… side by side, together until the end.”
The emotional message has been widely shared across social media, where friends, supporters, and members of the pageant community have expressed condolences to both families.
Relatives also revealed that the tragedy extended far beyond the loss of the young couple.
According to the family’s statement, José Castro’s relatives suffered multiple fatalities during the earthquake, including his father, grandmother, uncle, and aunt. The family described the disaster as an overwhelming loss that has affected several generations at once.
Meanwhile, Rodríguez’s family said they have been unable to return to work since learning she was missing after the earthquake.
Like thousands of other families affected by the disaster, they have been navigating both the emotional trauma of the tragedy and the financial burden that follows.
Following confirmation of the couple’s deaths, relatives launched a fundraising campaign to help cover funeral and burial expenses.
The family also thanked members of the public for their messages of support, donations, and assistance throughout the search and recovery operation.
Rodríguez had recently gained recognition after being crowned Miss Grand Orlando 2025, with supporters describing her as a young woman known for her ambition, warmth, and dedication to her community.
Tributes from friends and members of the pageant world have remembered her not only for her achievements but also for her kindness and optimism.
Emergency crews continue recovery operations across the earthquake-affected region as authorities assess the full scale of the disaster.
Search teams remain at numerous collapsed buildings, while officials continue confirming the identities of victims and assisting families whose loved ones remain missing.
The earthquake caused widespread destruction throughout parts of Venezuela, leaving thousands displaced and damaging homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
Rescue workers, volunteers, and humanitarian organizations continue providing emergency assistance as communities begin the difficult process of recovery.
For the Rodríguez and Castro families, however, the search has ended in heartbreaking loss.
Their final public message reflected both gratitude and grief, remembering the young couple as they were found together beneath the rubble.
As loved ones prepare to lay them to rest, they say they remain thankful for the compassion shown by volunteers, rescue teams, and countless strangers who stood beside them throughout the desperate search, even though it ultimately ended in tragedy.
