What you need to know
Guatemalan pageant queen and television host Raquel Escalante has died after sharing her journey with cervical cancer. She was 28 years old.
The news was first announced by TV Azteca Guate, which Escalante hosted, in an Instagram post on Nov. 28 commemorating the late internet personality.
“Her charisma, joy and the special light that always accompanied her made every moment around her special and memorable,” the obituary said. “Today we say goodbye to a colleague and friend who left a huge mark on our hearts. Her smile, energy and passion for communication will continue to inspire us every day.”
Escalante, who was crowned Miss Intercontinental Guatemala 2021, maintains more than 87,000 followers on Instagram and 324,000 on TikTok, where she shares photos and videos from her life as a TV host.
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In August 2024, the beauty queen revealed that she was hospitalized due to low hemoglobin levels. In October, Escalante’s cousin set up a GoFundMe to raise money for her medical expenses, revealing that the content creator was diagnosed with cervical cancer in early 2024 and is still experiencing side effects from surgery to remove cancer cells.
Raquel Escalante/Instagram
“Raquel is seriously ill and we are reaching out to kind people who would like to help with her medical expenses,” the translated GoFundMe description reads. “She has spent most of her time in the hospital since February and has had to pay a lot of money there. Her adoptive family has helped her, but there are circumstances beyond our control.”
Over the past year, Escalante has continued to update her followers about her medical condition, sharing news about her doctor visits and the various procedures she underwent to manage her cancer.
In the comments section of her last TikTok video, which she posted on May 8, fans expressed their condolences following the news of her death.
“We will never forget you, Laquelita, you will always live in our hearts 🤍🕊️,” one person wrote.
“Come shine in the sky and rest in your arms, your light never fades, fall into our hearts, you are an example of love 🥺,” another person shared.
A third read: “Rest in peace Laquelita 🥹❤️🩹💔🌹⚘️.”
