Raquel Escalante: Former Beauty Queen and Presenter Passes Away at 28 after Cancer Battle

Guatemala Mourns the loss of Raquel Escalante, Former Beauty Queen and TV Presenter

Guatemala City, December 1, 2025 – The nation of Guatemala is in mourning following the death of Raquel Escalante, a beloved television presenter and former beauty queen, who passed away on Friday, November 28th, after a courageous battle with cancer. she was 28 years old.

Escalante, a presenter for TV Azteca Guate, captivated audiences with her vibrant personality and passion for communication. The network released a heartfelt statement, acknowledging the loss of “a colleague, friend and an extraordinary being who left a mark on each of us.” They celebrated her enduring “smile, her energy and her passion,” promising her legacy woudl live on.

A deeply moving tribute was held by TV Azteca Guate on Saturday, attended by prominent figures including Ana Gabriela Villanueva, Miss Universe Guatemala 2024.Villanueva, visibly emotional, symbolically laid her crown upon Escalante’s memory, a poignant gesture of respect and friendship.

On Sunday,family,friends,and community members gathered in San José de Barberena,Santa Rosa,to bid farewell to Escalante before her burial. Her family honored her pageant career by adorning her coffin with the sashes and crowns earned throughout her participation in beauty contests.

Born in Santa Rosa, Guatemala in 1997, Escalante first gained recognition on the beauty pageant circuit. she achieved notable success, becoming a fourth finalist in Miss City Tourism World 2017 and competing in Miss Tourism World in China.

Her crowning achievement came in 2021 when she was named Miss Guatemala Intercontinental. Representing her country with grace and determination, she placed in the Top 20 at the international competition held in Sharm el-Sheikh, egypt.

Escalante’s untimely passing has left a void in the hearts of many, but her spirit and accomplishments will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come. A GoFundMe campaign was organized to support her medical expenses during her illness,demonstrating the widespread affection and support she garnered throughout her life.

What impact did Raquel Escalante’s platform and advocacy have during her pageant career?

A Life Cut Short: Remembering Raquel Escalante

Raquel Escalante, a beloved figure known for her reign as a beauty queen and her work as a television presenter, has tragically passed away at the age of 28 following a brave battle with cancer. The news, confirmed on November 30, 2025, has sent shockwaves through Mexico and beyond, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans, colleagues, and public figures. This article details her life, career, and the fight against her illness.

Early Life and Beauty Pageantry

Born and raised in Mexico, Raquel Escalante first gained national recognition through her participation in beauty pageants.She was crowned Miss Mexico Nuevo León in 2017, a important stepping stone in her journey.

* Miss Mexico 2018: Escalante represented Nuevo León in the Miss Mexico 2018 competition, where she finished as a finalist, capturing the hearts of audiences with her poise and charisma.

* Platform & Advocacy: During her pageant career, she actively championed causes related to youth empowerment and education, demonstrating a commitment to social obligation.

* Early Career Impact: Her success in pageantry opened doors to opportunities in the entertainment industry,establishing her as a rising star.

Transition to Television and Presenting Roles

Following her success in the pageant world, Raquel Escalante seamlessly transitioned into a career in television. She quickly became a familiar face on Mexican screens,hosting several popular programs.

* “Ventaneando” Co-Host: Escalante joined the renowned entertainment news program Ventaneando in 2022, becoming a prominent co-host known for her insightful commentary and engaging personality. This role considerably boosted her public profile.

* Other Television appearances: Beyond Ventaneando, she made appearances on various other television shows, showcasing her versatility as a presenter.

* Rising Star in Entertainment: Her natural talent and dedication quickly established her as a respected and sought-after personality in the Mexican entertainment landscape.

Cancer Diagnosis and Public Battle

In late 2023, Raquel Escalante received a devastating diagnosis of leukemia. She bravely chose to share her battle with the public, becoming an inspiration to many facing similar challenges.

* Initial Diagnosis & Treatment: Escalante publicly announced her leukemia diagnosis, initiating a rigorous treatment plan that included chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.

* Transparency & Advocacy: Throughout her treatment, she maintained a remarkably clear and positive attitude, documenting her journey on social media and raising awareness about leukemia.She used her platform to encourage others to get regular check-ups and screenings.

* Bone Marrow Transplant Journey: The search for a compatible bone marrow donor became a focal point, with widespread campaigns launched to find a match.

* Recurrence & Continued Fight: Despite initial positive responses to treatment, the cancer unfortunately returned, leading to further complications.

Tributes and Reactions to Her Passing

The news of Raquel Escalante’s passing has been met with widespread grief and an outpouring of tributes.

* Social Media Outcry: Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of condolence and remembrance, using hashtags like #RaquelEscalante and #QEPD (Que en Paz Descanse – Rest in Peace).

* Statements from Colleagues: Fellow presenters, actors, and public figures have shared heartfelt tributes, praising her strength, kindness, and talent. Ventaneando dedicated a special segment to her memory.

* Government & Public Figures: Statements of mourning were issued by government officials and prominent personalities, acknowledging her contributions to Mexican entertainment and her inspiring fight against cancer.

* Fan Reactions: Fans have expressed their devastation and shared memories of her work, highlighting her positive impact on their lives.

Understanding Leukemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Raquel Escalante’s battle brought increased attention to leukemia. Here’s a brief overview:

* What is Leukemia? Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It’s characterized by the abnormal production of white blood cells.

* common Symptoms: Symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, frequent infections, unexplained weight loss, and easy bruising or bleeding.

* Diagnosis: Diagnosis typically involves blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy.

* Treatment Options: Treatment options vary depending on the type of leukemia and may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and bone marrow transplant. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes. Resources like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (https://www.lls.org/) provide comprehensive facts.

The Importance of Bone Marrow Donation

Raquel Escalante’s story underscores the critical need for bone marrow donors.