Miss Universe contestant Wualys Fuentes Aquino, 23, was found dead in her apartment on July 20, according to reports. Relatives discovered her after not hearing from her for several days. The cause of her death is currently unknown, and officials have not ruled out foul play or natural causes as the investigation continues.
Fuentes Aquino recently placed as the runner-up in the Miss Universe Tegucigalpa 2026 pageant, finishing behind winner Luciana Núñez. She was a student of International Marketing and Social Work at the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH) and was regarded as a rising talent in her home country. She frequently shared her passion for travel on social media. The Miss Universe Tegucigalpa organization remembered her as a supportive and charismatic individual who demonstrated kindness towards fellow contestants.
Her last social media post, shared on Saturday, featured black and white photographs with a caption reflecting on essence and value: "Between HAVING and BEING, choose BEING. Essence has VALUE; things have a price. Anyone can have what you have, but NO ONE can be who you are."
This news follows the recent death of former Miss Universe Jamaica finalist LaToya Malcolm, 35, whose passing was announced two days prior. The Miss Universe Jamaica account expressed deep sadness over Malcolm's death and extended condolences to her family and friends. The cause of Malcolm's death has also not yet been revealed. Malcolm, who competed in the 2024 Miss Universe Jamaica competition, also won the Miss Jamaica Bikini International title in 2024. She was described as an actress and entertainer with over a decade of experience, also working as a dance instructor and TV host.