Venezuelan journalist and television presenter Patricia Fuenmayor, widely known in the U.S. for her work as a correspondent on Despierta América from New York, passed away early this morning following a courageous battle with cancer. She was 51, according to official statements from Univision.
During Monday's broadcast of Univision's morning show, Despierta América, anchors Raúl González, Karla Martínez, Alan Tacher, and Francisca Lachapel shared the somber news with viewers:
"The Despierta América family is mourning a great loss. Our dear friend and colleague Patricia Fuenmayor passed away this morning."
From the studios of Venevisión in Caracas, Venezuela, to the bustling media landscape of Univision in New York City, Fuenmayor's career was defined by elegance, perseverance, and a profound dedication to storytelling. Hers was the journey of a woman who dazzled as a beauty queen, grew into a respected journalist, weathered personal hardship, and left a mark on every newsroom she entered.
From Runways to Newsrooms
Born in Venezuela, Patricia first gained national attention representing Zulia state in Miss Venezuela 1997, later earning the title of Miss South America in 1998. While she made her debut in the public eye through pageantry, she quickly transitioned into journalism, earning a degree in Communications from Universidad Santa María in Caracas.
@recuerdosdemisses Patricia Fuenmayor Hernández, #MissZulia 97, luciendo una creación del diseñador Duval Ariza durante final del #MissVenezuela realizada en el Poliedro de Caracas. #PatriciaFuenmayor #RecuerdosdeMisses #Venezuela #90s
♬ sonido original - Recuerdos de Misses
Forced to Flee, but Never Silenced
Fuenmayor's life took a dramatic turn when her husband, Dr. Jorge Safar, was kidnapped in Venezuela—an ordeal that forced the family into exile. They eventually resettled in the United States, where Patricia rebuilt her career from the ground up.
In New York, she found new purpose and opportunity. She joined Univision 41 as a correspondent for Edición Digital, eventually becoming a key member of Despierta América, where she reported on local news and community stories that resonated with the city's Latino population.
Her warmth, poise, and authenticity made her a trusted voice for thousands of immigrants navigating new lives in America. For many, Patricia was not just a reporter—they saw themselves in her story.
Mourning a Colleague, Celebrating a Legacy
The announcement of her death during Despierta América left her colleagues visibly emotional, paying tribute to a woman they described as generous, talented, and endlessly compassionate.
Veteran journalist Elyangélica González took to social media to write:
"What an immense pain, Patricia. May God receive you in His holy glory..."
Patricia's final Instagram post was a heartfelt message to her husband and children, expressing her deep love for her family. In the wake of the news, hundreds of followers flooded her page with messages like:
"I can't believe it,"
"Rest in peace, beloved Patty."
