The entertainment world is in mourning following the tragic death of much-loved television presenter and former beauty queen, Raquel Escalante. She passed away at the age of 28 after a courageous battle with cervical cancer.
A Public Battle and Heartfelt Plea
Raquel Escalante had been fighting the disease since February of last year. Throughout her treatment, she remained open with her thousands of Instagram followers, sharing updates on her health journey. In a poignant post from April, she wrote of her resilience, stating she was "a woman who has experienced pain, who has faced fear, and who still chooses to keep shining."
Earlier this year, in January, the presenter made an emotional public appeal for financial help to cover kidney surgery costs. She was awaiting a kidney transplant when she sadly died from kidney failure on Friday, November 28.
From Pageant Queen to Cherished TV Host
Escalante, originally from Santa Rosa in Guatemala, began modelling young and enjoyed a successful pageant career. She competed in the Miss Tourism World finals in China in 2017 and was crowned Miss Guatemala Intercontinental in 2021.
She later transitioned to television, becoming a familiar face as the host of programmes like Qué Chilero on TV Azteca Guate. The channel paid a moving tribute, thanking her for her "dedication, her ever-present smile, and for illuminating our screens with a talent that will forever remain in our memory."
An Outpouring of Tributes
Following the news of her passing, tributes have flooded in from fans, colleagues, and the broadcaster. TV Azteca Guate expressed solidarity with her family and loved ones, adding that her "legacy will live forever in Guatemala's heart."
The sad news comes shortly after the passing of Chris Tynan, presenter of NatureWatch on Radio Merseyside. His colleagues shared their heartbreak on social media, remembering his decades of volunteer work with the RSPB Liverpool group.
For more information or support about living with cancer or treatment, visit Macmillan Cancer Support or Stand Up to Cancer.
