At least 235 people have died in horrific earthquake in Venezuela
The young athlete perished alongside her mother Carmen and younger sister Miranda when the quake struck on 24 June.
A female bodybuilder has been found dead under the rubble of her apartment building after Venezuela’s devastating earthquake.
Fiorella Martínez, a rising star in Women’s Artistic Fitness, perished alongside her mother Carmen and younger sister Miranda when the quake struck on 24 June.
The 19-year-old bodybuilder was found dead in the rubble of her home, sparking widespread grief in the international fitness community. Her boyfriend, Fedor Prieto Olivares, was also confirmed dead hours later.
Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter
The Venezuelan Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (FVFC) confirmed the tragedy, paying tribute to the young athlete’s achievements and character.
“In the name of athletes, coaches, judges and the Board, we express our deepest sorrow at the passing of the athlete from La Guaira, Fiorella Martínez, South American runner-up in Women’s Artistic Fitness,” a statement read. “We pray for her eternal rest, we pray for the thousands of Venezuelans suffering this tragedy. Rest in peace, Fiori.”
Martínez had rapidly risen through the ranks of competitive bodybuilding.
In 2025, she triumphed at the South American Championships in Quito, Ecuador, in the Women’s Artistic Fitness category, which blends physique with dance, gymnastics and acrobatic routines.
Beyond the stage, the disciplined teenager was studying dentistry and was widely admired for her work ethic, positivity and ambition, as reported by NeedToKnow.
A pinned post on her Instagram account celebrated her medals while holding aloft the Venezuelan flag, reflecting pride in her swift progress just six months into serious competition.
Colleagues and fans have flooded social media with tributes highlighting her infectious smile, dedication in the gym and dreams of representing Venezuela on the global stage.
The double earthquake that hit Venezuela on 24 June has left at least 235 confirmed dead, with rescue teams continuing to search collapsed buildings for survivors amid ongoing aftershocks.
Footballer Lucas Trejo’s wife and two children were amongst the casualties. The 38-year-old launched a desperate search for them after they were reported missing, but they were confirmed dead on Sunday (28 June).
