Former Miss World Contestant Dies at 26

Sherika De Armas, a former Miss World contestant representing Uruguay in 2015, has tragically passed away at the age of 26. Reports from local media outlets indicate that De Armas succumbed to cervical cancer after a two-year struggle with the disease. Her passing has elicited heartfelt tributes from friends, family, and fellow beauty queens.

Mayk’ De Armas, Sherika’s brother, expressed his grief on social media, bidding his younger sister to “fly high” and assuring her of his eternal love. Carla Romero, the current Miss Uruguay, also mourned De Armas’ passing, describing her as “too evolved for this world” and “one of the most beautiful women” she had ever encountered.

Anto Ciavaglia, a close friend of De Armas, remembered her for her radiant beauty. De Armas’ journey in the Miss World competition in 2015 was notable, despite not making it to the top 30. She was one of the youngest contestants, being only 18 at the time. Her striking features, towering height, and charismatic personality were praised by media outlets, who saw her as a promising talent from Uruguay.

De Armas had always aspired to be a model, whether in beauty, advertising, or on the catwalk. She expressed her love for fashion and the thrill of participating in beauty pageants in an interview with NetUruguay, translated by Univision. She cherished the opportunity to participate in Miss Universe, describing it as a dream for many girls and an experience filled with challenges.

Beyond her modeling career, De Armas was also an entrepreneur, selling personal care, makeup, and hair products through her business, Shey De Armas Beauty Studio. She was known for her philanthropic efforts, dedicating her time to the Pérez Scremini Foundation, a childhood cancer organization.

Cervical cancer, the disease that claimed De Armas’ life, is most prevalent in individuals over the age of 30, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Regular screening and the HPV vaccine can help prevent the disease.