Beauty Queen Passes Away at 28 After Documenting Her Year-Long Battle with Cervical Cancer

Raquel Escalante, a Guatemalan beauty queen and television host, has died at the age of 28 after publicly sharing her struggle with cervical cancer. TV Aztec Guate, where she served as a host, paid tribute to her in a post, stating, "Her charisma, joy, and that special light she carried made every moment with her unforgettable and unique."

Escalante earned the title of Miss Intercontinental Guatemala in 2021 and had built a significant online presence with over 87,000 followers on Instagram and 324,000 on TikTok, where she documented her life and work as a TV personality.

In August 2024, Escalante revealed she had been hospitalized due to low hemoglobin levels. By October, her cousin launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover her medical expenses, disclosing that she had been diagnosed with cervical cancer earlier in the year and was still coping with the effects of surgery to remove cancerous cells. The campaign noted, "She has spent much of her time in the hospital since February. Her adoptive family has helped, but there are costs beyond their control."

Throughout the past year, Escalante kept her followers updated on her health, sharing details of doctor visits and treatments. In her final TikTok post on May 8, fans responded with heartfelt tributes after learning of her passing, writing messages such as, "We will never forget you, Raquelita, you will always live in our hearts," and, "Now shine in the sky, your light will never fade."

Raquel Escalantes warmth, energy, and dedication to her craft left a lasting impression on colleagues, friends, and fans alike, ensuring her memory will continue to inspire many.

Author: Ethan Caldwell