TV presenter and former beauty queen Raquel Escalante has died at the age of 28 after a battle with cervical cancer. She passed away on Friday, November 28, due to kidney failure, according to reports. Escalante had been diagnosed with cervical cancer in February 2024 and was awaiting a kidney transplant at the time of her death.
In January, Escalante made a tearful plea on Instagram to her 88,000 followers, asking for financial help to cover the cost of expensive kidney transplant surgery. She had been documenting her health journey on social media. In a recent post, she shared a glamorous photo with a poignant message: 'I am a woman who has experienced pain, faced fear, and still chooses to keep shining.'
Escalante began her career as a model and was crowned Miss Guatemala Intercontinental before moving into television. She became a popular host on TV Azteca Guate and also presented on Qué Chilero. She had participated in numerous national and international competitions, including the Miss Tourism World finals in China in 2017.
A spokesperson for TV Azteca Guate said: 'The TV Azteca Guate family joins in solidarity with her parents, loved ones, friends, and fans, accompanying them in this moment of profound sorrow. We thank Raquel for her dedication, her ever-present smile, and for illuminating our screens with a talent that will forever remain in our memory.'
Fans paid tribute on social media, with one writing: 'Just seen, this so so sad story, beautiful young lady didn't deserve this. fly high, RAQUEL.' Another added: 'Rest is peace warrior, you won't suffer anymore.'
