The passing of journalist Patricia Fuenmayor, known for her work on Univision’s Despierta América and for being a former Miss Venezuela, has left many shocked and heartbroken. She died at the age of 51 after a battle with cancer.
The news was announced on Despierta América, where host Raúl González expressed the team’s sadness: “These are the kinds of stories we never want to report. The Despierta América family is mourning the loss of our dear friend and colleague Patricia Fuenmayor, who passed away early this morning.”
Fuenmayor was admired for her elegance, professionalism, and warmth on screen, and her passing has deeply affected viewers across the U.S. and Latin America. She leaves behind her husband, plastic surgeon Jorge Safar, and their two daughters, who are now facing this difficult loss.
«Patricia Fuenmayor» ex Miss Venezuela y conductora de televisión.
Es tendencia porque informan sobre su fallecimiento a los 51 años luego de una larga batalla contra el cancer. pic.twitter.com/8G1MdnfFwH
— ¿Por qué es tendencia? (@estendenciavzl) June 9, 2025
Her legacy as both a journalist and a public figure remains strong, and her memory continues to inspire those who followed her career.
Patricia Fuenmayor was a Venezuelan journalist, television host, and former beauty queen. Born in Maracaibo, she first gained national attention in 1997 as a finalist in the Miss Venezuela pageant, and went on to be crowned Miss South America in 1998. Her charm and strong on-screen presence quickly opened doors in the media world.
She built a successful career in Venezuelan television, hosting shows like Teledeportes and anchoring for Noticiero Venevisión. Patricia also worked in radio and became a familiar face on E! Latin America, where she led entertainment programs such as De boca en boca.
Lamento profundamente la partida de mi querida compañera #PatriciaFuenmayor Guardo siempre los buenos momentos trabajando juntos en @rctv
Paz a su alma pic.twitter.com/9KjOEbj6Ki— 🇻🇪Edw@®️ds Pérez☀️🫀🗽 (@djEdwardsPerez) June 9, 2025
In 2017, after relocating to New York, she joined Univision as a correspondent for Despierta América. Her warm personality, authenticity, and professionalism made her a beloved figure among viewers in the U.S. and Latin America.
Her personal life was marked by strength and resilience. After her husband, plastic surgeon Jorge Safar, was kidnapped in Venezuela, the couple made the difficult decision to move their family to the United States in search of safety and a better future.
Patricia often spoke of her family—especially her two daughters—as her greatest source of pride. She was admired not just for her work, but for her courage, kindness, and unwavering dedication to what she believed in. Her colleagues and friends remember her as a bright, brave soul who left a lasting mark on everyone who knew her.
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