María Lorena Argüello, a Miss Universe beauty queen, has tragically died suddenly at the age of 28.
Argüello was a semifinalist in the 2024 Miss Universe Ecuador pageant.
According to a statement issued by the Concurso Nacional de Belleza, Ecuador’s national beauty pageant organization, Argüello passed away unexpectedly.
Her death was confirmed on Sunday.
However, no cause of death has been revealed.
All circumstances regarding her sudden passing have been withheld from the public.
In a statement, the organization said:
“We stand with respect and solidarity with her family and loved ones in this time of grief.
“Her memory will always be with us.”
Argüello was participating in her first competition during the 2024 Miss Universe Ecuador pageant.
She was representing Quito in the national competition.
Just weeks earlier, she had completed her medical studies.
She earned a degree in surgery from the University of the Americas on June 30, 2024.
Tributes from fellow contestants and friends have poured in following news of her passing.
María Topic, who won the Miss Universe Ecuador title in the same competition, wrote:
“Today, heaven gained a beautiful soul.
“My heart mourns your passing, but I trust that God holds you in his