Pageant Queen Passes Away at 28 After Inspiring Year-Long Battle with Cervical Cancer
Raquel Escalante.
Credit:
GoFundMe
Raquel Escalante, Guatemalan Pageant Queen, Passes Away at 28 After Cancer Struggles
Raquel Escalante, a prominent Guatemalan pageant queen and television host, has died at the age of 28 after a year-long battle with cervical cancer. The news was announced on November 28 by TV Aztec Guate, where she worked as a host.
In a heartfelt tribute, the network stated, “Her charisma, her joy, and that special light that always accompanied her made every moment by her side something unique and memorable. Today, we bid farewell to a colleague and friend who left a huge imprint on our hearts. Her smile, her energy, and her passion for communicating will continue to inspire us every day.”
Escalante was crowned Miss Intercontinental Guatemala in 2021 and had a substantial online presence, boasting over 87,000 followers on Instagram and 324,000 on TikTok, where she frequently shared updates and insights into her life as a TV host.
In August 2024, Escalante revealed on social media that she had been hospitalized due to decreasing hemoglobin levels. By October, her cousin launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover her medical expenses, disclosing that she was diagnosed with cervical cancer early in 2024 and was still coping with the aftermath of surgery to remove cancerous cells. “We are reaching out to all kind-hearted people who wish to support her with her medical expenses, as Raquel is very ill,” the GoFundMe description read.
Throughout the past year, Escalante kept her followers informed about her health, sharing updates from doctor’s appointments and various treatment procedures. In her final TikTok video, shared on May 8, fans flooded the comments with tributes following the news of her passing.
One fan wrote, “We will never forget you Raquelita, you will always live in our hearts 🤍🕊️,” while another expressed, “Now shine in the sky, rest in your arms, your light does not go out. You are an example of love 🥺.” A third comment read, “Rest in peace Raquelita 🥹❤️🩹💔🌹⚘️.”
Escalante’s journey has captured the hearts of many, marking a poignant loss for her community and fans alike.
Raquel Escalante.
Raquel Escalante/Instagram
