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Wualys Aquino, who competed to be Miss Universe Tegucigalpa pageant in Honduras, has died. She was 23.
"The Miss Universe Tegucigalpa organization deeply mourns the passing of our runner-up, Wualys Aquino," the organization wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, July 21, originally in Spanish and translated in English by Us. "We wish to express our condolences to her family and friends."
Last month, Aquino competed in the regional pageant, which precedes the national Miss Universe Honduras pageant. She finished runner up in the competition, behind first place winner Luciana Núñez, who took home the crown.
"This news has deeply affected us all, as it happened so unexpectedly," the statement read. "Wualys was a woman who not only shone herself but also helped her fellow contestants shine."
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The statement continued, "She showed us that she was always willing to help; she never said no when it came to supporting her peers. We are profoundly shaken by this news, and we can only be grateful for her presence in this pageant, as she truly made a difference. May God hold her in His blessed glory."
Brazilian outlet O Globo reported on Wednesday, July 22, that Aquino was found dead in her apartment in Tegucigalpa, the country's capital. Local authorities told the outlet that Aquino's family members went to her home after being unable to contact the model, ultimately discovering her body.
The police have opened an investigation into Aquino's death. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of foul play or natural causes, as autopsy results remain pending at the time of publication.
One month ago, Aquino opened up about how much it meant to her to compete in the pageant after being bullied as a teen.
"The 14-year-old girl who was bullied because of her body type healed and shone yesterday. It isn't easy to stand on stage in front of so many people, but my confidence and potential will take me far," she wrote alongside a photo of her on stage in the pageant. "Today I can say that I love myself just as I am, because now I understand that God created me in His image and likeness. ❤️🩹."
In addition to being known for her role in the Miss Universe organization, Aquino studied marketing and social work while attending university. She also had a passion for modeling, boxing and traveling.
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Less than a week ago, Aquino showed off a recent modeling photoshoot with an empowering message.
"Between HAVING and BEING, choose BEING. Essence has VALUE; things have a price," she captioned the July 17 Instagram slideshow. "Anyone can have what you have, but NO ONE can be who you are.🤍."
Fans and loved ones took to the comments section of Aquino's post to pay their respects.
"RIP 🕊️ beautiful; you replied to a comment of mine on TikTok saying, ‘Next year we're going all out.' 😔 Why did this have to happen to her? 💔," one user wrote while another replied, "I will always remember your smile, I promise 🤍."
