Wualys Fuentes Aquino, the recent first runner-up in the Miss Universe Tegucigalpa pageant, was found dead inside an apartment in Honduras’ capital.
Relatives reportedly went to the residence in Tegucigalpa’s Altos del Trapiche neighborhood on Monday, July 20, after they had been unable to contact Aquino for several days. Authorities examined the property and transported her body for a medical-legal autopsy.
A preliminary examination found no visible injuries or other indications of a violent death, according to Honduran newspaper La Prensa. Forensic specialists have not yet determined her cause or manner of death.
Laboratory and histopathology results are still pending. Histopathology allows examiners to study tissue microscopically for diseases or medical conditions that may not be visible during an initial autopsy.
The Preliminary Autopsy Found No Signs of Violence
Investigators and forensic personnel responded to the scene, secured the residence and began examining the circumstances surrounding her death. Early reports said authorities were considering multiple possibilities, including natural causes and a potential crime.
The later preliminary-autopsy update said examiners found no blows, visible trauma or other evidence indicating a violent death. Forensic spokesperson Issa Alvarado said specialists would wait for the remaining scientific tests before determining the cause and manner of death. Aquino’s body was released to her relatives following the autopsy procedure and taken to Comayagua for funeral services.
The Pageant Remembered Her Support for Other Contestants
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Aquino competed in the Miss Universe Tegucigalpa pageant in June, finishing behind winner Luciana Núñez. The regional competition selects a representative who advances toward Miss Universe Honduras.
The pageant organization said it was “profoundly shaken” by Aquino’s unexpected death and remembered her as a generous competitor who helped the women around her.
“Wualys was a woman who not only shone herself but also helped her fellow contestants shine,” the organization said in a memorial quoted by Entertainment Weekly. It added that she was consistently willing to assist and encourage her fellow contestants. Núñez also remembered Aquino as a friend whose humor and encouragement made difficult days during the competition easier.
Aquino Was Studying While Building a Modeling Career
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Aquino was studying International Marketing and Social Work at the National Autonomous University of Honduras while pursuing modeling and working with social media and advertising.
Her online posts documented pageant appearances, photo shoots, travel, fitness sessions and time with friends. On July 14, she shared photographs and video from a boxing studio alongside a message about resilience. “Boxing isn’t about winning or losing, it’s about how you fight the fight within yourself to keep going when things don’t go your way,” she wrote.