Miss Grand Orlando Skarlent Rodríguez and Boyfriend Found Dead Together in Venezuela Quake Rubble

Skarlent Rodríguez, who was crowned Miss Grand Orlando 2025, and her boyfriend, José Castro, were recovered dead side-by-side in rubble in Venezuela on June 29 after a rare pair of powerful earthquakes struck near Caracas.

The couple's families announced the heartbreaking discovery on a joint GoFundMe page, saying the bodies were found after days of searching that followed the temblors. In the same statement they thanked volunteers and rescue teams who assisted in the search and asked supporters to share the fundraiser to help cover rising funeral costs.

Relatives also confirmed that several members of Castro's family, including his father, grandmother, uncle and aunt, perished in the disaster. The families wrote that funeral expenses have increased significantly due to the scope of the tragedy and expressed gratitude to donors who have offered support.

Skarlent Rodriguez.Credit: Skarlent Rodríguez/Instagram

Tributes and Reactions

The Miss Grand Orlando organization posted a tribute on Instagram, honoring Rodríguez for her achievements and for the positive way she supported others. "She will be remembered not only for her beauty and accomplishments but also for the way she uplifted others and carried herself with dignity and light," the pageant wrote.

Rodríguez also worked as a Monster Energy Girl; the company released a statement expressing sorrow: "Our hearts are broken as we remember Skarlent, who was tragically lost during the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. Her beautiful spirit touched so many lives."

Skarlent Rodríguez and José Castro.Credit: Skarlent Rodríguez/Instagram

The Quakes and the Human Toll

The twin quakes struck within seconds of each other, registering magnitudes of 7.1 and 7.5, and caused catastrophic damage across parts of the country. Venezuela's National Assembly president, Jorge Rodríguez, said at a press conference that 2,295 people had died and more than 11,200 were injured following the tremors.

Data from the missing-persons site Desaparecidos Terremoto Venezuela reported that more than 57,000 people had been listed as missing as of June 26. Of those, more than 7,800 have since been located, leaving just under 50,000 still unaccounted for.

The families of Skarlent Rodríguez and José Castro continue to seek assistance to cover funeral expenses and have thanked everyone who supported the search and mourned with them.