Miss Universe Star's Death Saddens Fans As Tributes Pour In
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Patricia Fuenmayor, a television presenter and former beauty queen, has died at the age of 51 after a battle with cancer.
The news of Fuenmayor's death on Monday morning was confirmed during a live broadcast of Despierta América, the Univision morning show where she had worked for years. Co-host Raúl González was visibly moved as he announced her passing.
Fuenmayor first rose to prominence in 1997 as a finalist in the Miss Venezuela competition and was later crowned Miss South America. Despite her success in pageantry, she transitioned into journalism, building a respected media career across Latin America. She worked with Venevisión, E! Latinoamérica and Teledeporte, and hosted her own show, De Boca en Boca, where she welcomed guests including Shakira and Marc Anthony.
Patricia Fuenmayor poses for a photographer on Wednesday, September 28, 2016, at the studios of the television station TELEVEN.
Patricia Fuenmayor poses for a photographer on Wednesday, September 28, 2016, at the studios of the television station TELEVEN.
William Dumont / El Nacional/GDA via AP Images
In 2015, following the kidnapping of her husband in Venezuela, she emigrated to the United States with her family. Settling in New York, she started anew and quickly found a place at Univision's Al Despertar, eventually joining Despierta América. Her direct yet warm communication style earned her both professional respect and popularity among viewers.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Fuenmayor candidly spoke about her own experience contracting the virus in 2021, aiming to support others facing similar struggles.
Fuenmayor leaves behind her husband, surgeon Jorge Safar Perez, and two children, a daughter, 14, and younger son.
Her former colleagues and fans took to social media to express their grief and share memories. "A deep sorrow for those who knew her and shared her life. Life is only a moment," wrote anchor Elyangelica Gonzalez on X, formerly Twitter.
Her co-host Raúl González wrote on Instagram: "Today, we hug her husband, her two children, and her entire family. We join in their pain... But we also celebrate his life. Patricia isn't leaving at all. She stays in every memory, every report, every conversation that ended with a laugh of her own... We will always remember her like this: with that warmth, that elegance and that gift of people that only she had."
The Venezuelan host had over 200,000 followers on Instagram, where she frequently posted messages of hope and moments from her family life.
Venezuelan model Edinson Jose Calderon Perez wrote on Facebook: "With deep pain, we bid farewell to our dear Patricia Fuenmayor, our beautiful queen, model, mother, journalist, friend and a great Venezuelan. A passionate woman, professional and always dedicated to her informative work." He added, "Thank you, Patricia, for your light, your delivery and your smile. We will always remember you."
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