The entertainment world and the Latino community are mourning the loss of Patricia Fuenmayor, a beloved Venezuelan model, television presenter, and former beauty queen, who passed away on June 9, 2025, in New York at the age of 51. Known for her vibrant career spanning multiple facets of media, Fuenmayor's death followed a courageous battle with cancer that she fought for several months.
Patricia Fuenmayor's journey began in her native Venezuela, where she first gained national attention as a finalist in the 1997 Miss Venezuela pageant representing the state of Zulia. Her poise and charm propelled her to win the Miss Sudamérica crown in 1998, marking her as one of the continent's most admired beauty queens. However, her ambitions extended far beyond pageantry.
After completing a degree in Communications at Universidad Santa María in Caracas, Fuenmayor quickly established herself as a versatile media professional. She initially made her mark as a weather presenter on Venevisión's news program, a role she held for nearly three years. Her natural ease on camera and warm presence led to further opportunities in television and radio, including hosting the radio show De Cerquita and becoming a sports presenter.
Her television career flourished with hosting roles on popular Venezuelan programs such as De Boca en Boca starting in 2000 and Aprieta y Gana in 2001. These shows showcased her ability to engage audiences with a blend of entertainment and journalistic skill. She interviewed renowned international stars like Shakira, Marc Anthony, and Juan Luis Guerra, cementing her reputation as a charismatic and professional host. Additionally, Fuenmayor appeared in the 2005 telenovela Amor a Palos, demonstrating her versatility by branching into acting.
In 2017, seeking new horizons and partly motivated by a traumatic kidnapping incident involving her husband in Venezuela, Fuenmayor relocated to New York. There, she joined Univision, the leading Spanish-language network in the United States, where she served as a correspondent for the morning program Despierta América and as a presenter for Edición Digital Nueva York. Her work covered a broad spectrum of topics from cultural events and fashion shows to local news, making her a familiar and trusted face in the Latino community.
Her colleagues at Univision expressed deep sorrow at her passing. A heartfelt message posted on Despierta América's Instagram read, "Despierta América is in mourning. With deep pain, we bid farewell to our dear colleague Patricia Fuenmayor, collaborator in New York. A passionate, professional woman always dedicated to her informative work. Thank you, Patricia, for your light, your dedication, and your smile. We will always remember you." Presenters Karla Martínez, Alan Tacher, Francisca, and Raúl González also shared their grief, with Raúl announcing her passing in the early hours of June 9 after a tough battle against cancer.
Fans and followers flooded social media with tributes, expressing disbelief and sadness at the sudden loss. Comments ranged from heartfelt prayers to reflections on her courage and the impact she had on many lives. Patricia Ramos, an Instagram influencer with over 150,000 followers, questioned, "How come God? What happened to Patricia?" Meanwhile, TV anchor Elyangélica González offered a moving tribute, saying, "What a great pain Patricia! May God receive you in his holy glory, give strength to your family and comfort your beloved children. The sky today is much prettier with your arrival." The outpouring of affection underscored the deep connection Fuenmayor had with her audience and peers.
Beyond her television and radio work, Fuenmayor also engaged with her community through her YouTube channel, Patricia Fuenmayor TV, where she shared wellness and organizational tips aimed especially at working mothers. Her personal social media accounts reflected a woman deeply devoted to her family, often posting warm messages and photos of her husband, plastic surgeon Jorge Safar Pérez, and their two children, Sarah and Fernando. In a Valentine’s Day post earlier in 2025, she shared affectionate pictures with her husband, highlighting the strong bond they shared.
Her move to the United States was not without challenges. Learning English and navigating a new media landscape demanded resilience, but Fuenmayor thrived, becoming a role model for many within the Hispanic immigrant community. In 2022, she celebrated becoming a U.S. citizen, expressing gratitude for the opportunities the country provided. Her story resonated widely, symbolizing the immigrant pursuit of new beginnings and professional fulfillment.
Patricia Fuenmayor's career was marked by adaptability and passion. She reported on sports and international events for Televen’s Teledeportes, covered Latin American fashion weeks for E! Entertainment Television, and participated in charitable initiatives in New York, such as toy drives for underprivileged children. Her colleagues remember her not only for her professionalism but also for her generosity and warmth behind the scenes.
The news of her death has left a significant void in both journalism and entertainment sectors. Industry figures like Dereck Blanco and Orian Brito recalled her kindness and dedication, emphasizing the emptiness her passing leaves in their hearts. Edinson Jose Calderon Perez, in a Facebook tribute, described her as "our beautiful queen, model, mother, journalist, friend and a great Venezuelan," praising her passion and commitment.
Despite the private nature of her illness, the reality of her cancer battle became public through the heartfelt announcements of her colleagues and the shock expressed by her fans. Her final social media posts, filled with family celebrations and positivity, offered no hint of the health struggles she endured, making her death all the more poignant.
Patricia Fuenmayor’s legacy is one of transformation, resilience, and connection. From her early days as a beauty queen in Venezuela to becoming a respected media figure in New York, she navigated the complexities of public life with grace and determination. Her story remains a testament to the power of reinvention and the enduring influence of a life dedicated to communication and community.
As the Latino media landscape reflects on her contributions, Patricia’s memory lives on through the countless lives she touched, the stories she told, and the warmth she shared. Her passing at 51 is a profound loss, but her spirit continues to inspire those who knew her and those who admired her from afar.
