Miss Universe model, 23, found dead as police refuse to rule out foul play

Miss Universe model, 23, found dead as police refuse to rule out foul play Wualys Fuentes Aquino, who finished runner-up in the Miss Universe Tegucigalpa 2026 pageant, was found dead at her flat by worried family members in Honduras An "inspirational" Miss Universe contestant has tragically been found dead in her flat. Wualys Fuentes Aquino was discovered lifeless by worried relatives who had not heard from her for several days. They went to her apartment and made the grim discovery before alerting the authorities on Monday. Police sealed off the scene as forensic teams gathered evidence at her home in the Altos del Trapiche residential area of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The authorities removed the model’s body for an autopsy to establish her exact cause of death, which currently remains unknown. Officials have not ruled out foul play or natural causes as inquiries continue. The young model and student recently finished runner-up in the Miss Universe Tegucigalpa 2026 pageant. She came second behind eventual winner Luciana Núñez. Organisers praised her talent, charisma and supportive nature towards fellow contestants. After taking part in the competition, she wrote on Instagram: "Today I gratefully celebrate being named first runner-up in Miss Universe Tegucigalpa. "More than just a title, I leave with the certainty of having given my best every step of the way. Thank you to those who recognise the effort, dedication, and essence that comes ahead of any result." And in a post a day after the event, she stated: "The 14-year-old girl who suffered bullying because of her body type healed and shone yesterday. It's not easy to stand on a stage in front of so many people, but my confidence and potential will take me far. "Today I can say that I love myself just the way I am, because now I understand that God created me in his image and likeness." As well as modelling, Wualys studied International Marketing and Social Work at the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH). She was considered a rising star in her home country and often shared her love of travel on social media. The Miss Universe Tegucigalpa organisation described her as supportive, kind and committed. Friends remembered the "joyful and charismatic" young woman with big dreams. One person wrote: "Today we say goodbye to a queen who left an indelible mark on our hearts. Beyond the crowns and stages, she will always be remembered for her light, her kindness, and the inspiration she gave to those who had the joy of knowing her. "Her departure leaves a great void, but her memory will live forever in every heart she touched. May she rest in peace and may her light continue to shine in the universe, like a star that will never stop illuminating our memories. You will always live in our memory." The investigation into her death is ongoing. [Image text:] INIVERSE GALPA CORICA