Top News

TV presenter and model Raquel Escalante has died at the age of 28. Tributes have started pouring in for the beloved star after it was confirmed that she tragically succumbed to kidney failure following a gruelling cervical cancer battle. It was revealed that the former beauty queen died on Friday (November 28) after making a heartbreaking plea for financial assistance to help pay for the expensive surgery.

The 28-year-old was diagnosed with the disease in February 2024 and had been awaiting a kidney transplant at the time of her death. In January, the former Miss Guatemala Intercontinental made a tearful plea to her 88,000 social media followers, asking for help to pay for expensive kidney transplant surgery on her Instagram page, where she had been documenting her health journey. In a recent post, Raquel had uploaded a glamorous photo from a photoshoot with a poignant message, captioned: "I'm not a model in a photo. I am a woman who has experienced pain, faced fear, and still chooses to keep shining.

"This is me: body, soul and spirit in God's hands. And if this image touches your heart, let it be a reminder that you too can rise, over and over again," she concluded.

Following her modelling success, Raquel embarked on her TV career as she transitioned into television and became a popular face on TV Azteca Guate.

In a heartbreaking statement, a channel spokesperson 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. Rest in peace, Raquel Escalante - your legacy will live forever in Guatemala's heart."

Heartbroken fans flocked to social media to pay tribute to Raquel, as one penned: "Just seen, this so so sad story, beautiful young lady didn't deserve this. fly high, RAQUEL."

Another echoed: "Rest is peace warrior, you won't suffer anymore," as a third added: "You are in a better place, my queen."

"Rest in peace, Raquel. Your fight, your strength and the way you smile even in difficult times will never be forgotten. Today, heaven receives a brave woman, and here your memory will live on in everyone who loved you. Thank you for all that you were," one fan stated.

In addition to fronting TV Azteca Guate, the beloved star was also a popular host on Qué Chilero, following her participation in numerous national and international competitions, most notably the Miss Tourism World finals in China in 2017.