Miss Guatemala Intercontinental Raquel Escalante dies at 28

By Linh Le December 1, 2025 | 11:42 pm PT

Raquel Escalante, crowned Miss Guatemala Intercontinental in 2021, has passed away at the age of 28 after a year-long battle with cervical cancer.

Miss Guatemala Intercontinental 2021 Raquel Escalante. Photo from Escalante's Instagram

The Sun reported that she died on Nov. 28 from kidney failure while awaiting a transplant, 10 months after publicly appealing for financial support to cover her medical expenses.

Escalante was diagnosed with cervical cancer in February 2024.

According to News.com.au, Escalante began modeling at a young age and went on to represent Guatemala in numerous international beauty pageants. She later became a well-known host on the Guatemalan free-to-air channel TV Azteca Guate.

News of her passing prompted an outpouring of grief. In a statement, TV Azteca Guate said the network was mourning the loss of a colleague.

"The TV Azteca Guate family joins in solidarity with her parents, loved ones, friends, and fans, accompanying them in this moment of profound sorrow," a spokesperson said. "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."