Venezuelan television host and former beauty pageant winner Patricia Fuenmayor passed away on Monday, June 9, at the age of 51 after battling cancer for 18 months. Fuenmayor was known for her work as a New York correspondent for Univision’s morning show, Despierta América. Fuenmayor
The announcement of Fuenmayor’s death was made on Monday’s episode of Despierta América. Host Raúl González confirmed that Fuenmayor died earlier that day from her prolonged fight with cancer. González described her as a passionate and professional individual dedicated to her journalism career. González
Fuenmayor’s public career began in beauty pageants, where she represented Zulia state and was a finalist in the Miss Venezuela 1997 competition. In 1998, she earned the title of Miss South America in Bolivia, gaining recognition across Latin America. Following her success in pageants, she transitioned to television journalism, studying communications at Universidad Santa María in Caracas.
Her early career in media developed in Venezuela, where she worked as a presenter on major networks like Venevisión and Teledeportes. She hosted shows such as De Boca en Boca, Ají Picante, and Buscando una estrella on Súper Sábado Sensacional, becoming a well-known figure in Venezuelan television.
In 2015, Fuenmayor’s life took a significant turn when her husband, Dr. Jorge Safar Pérez, was kidnapped in Venezuela. The event led the family to seek refuge in the United States. Fuenmayor shared in various interviews how this experience impacted their lives.
After relocating to New York, Fuenmayor reestablished her career, initially joining Univision 41 as a morning news anchor for Al Despertar. From 2017, she hosted Edición Digital New York, focusing on news pertinent to the Hispanic community in the area. New York
Her role expanded when she became a correspondent for Despierta América, covering local and community news stories that connected with Latino audiences. Colleagues noted her warmth and professionalism, which made her a trusted voice for immigrants adjusting to life in the United States.
News of her passing led to numerous tributes from coworkers and viewers. Despierta América shared on Instagram, “deeply regret the passing of Patricia Fuenmayor, our colleague and correspondent in New York.” Despierta América
Television anchor Elyangelica González expressed sorrow on social media, praying for comfort for Fuenmayor’s children and mentioning how her presence would beautify the sky. Journalist Astrid Rivera praised her as a remarkable journalist, woman, and mother, highlighting that her absence would be felt by the team and the world.
Fuenmayor was active on social media, with over 200,000 followers on Instagram. Her final post in February 2025 included a photograph with her husband and a message expressing her affection for him. Her last holiday post in January wished her followers health, joy, and prosperity for the new year.
She is survived by her husband, Jorge Safar Pérez, and their two children, Sarah and Chini. Throughout her cancer battle, her family remained her primary support, and colleagues often mentioned her deep love for them.
Fuenmayor’s career spanned several decades, showcasing her adaptability in entertainment and journalism. Her work included television, radio, and sports coverage, earning her a reputation for her engaging personality and dedication to her profession.
