Bodybuilder Fiorella Martínez found dead with mum and sister after Venezuela earthquake

Bodybuilder Fiorella Martínez, 19, a South American champion in Women’s Artistic Fitness, was found dead in the rubble of her home after the Venezuela earthquake on 24 June

A female bodybuilder has been discovered dead beneath the debris of her flat following Venezuela’s catastrophic earthquake. Fiorella Martínez, an emerging talent in Women’s Artistic Fitness, died alongside her mother Carmen and younger sister Miranda when the tremor hit on 24 June.

The 19 year old Venezuelan bodybuilder was recovered from the wreckage of her residence, prompting widespread mourning across the international fitness community. Her partner, Fedor Prieto Olivares, was also confirmed deceased hours afterwards.

The Venezuelan Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (FVFC) acknowledged the tragedy, honouring the young competitor’s accomplishments and personality.

“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.

“We pray for her eternal rest, we pray for the thousands of Venezuelans suffering this tragedy. Rest in peace, Fiori.”

Martínez had swiftly climbed the ladder of competitive bodybuilding.

In 2025 she secured victory at the South American Championships in Quito, Ecuador, in the Women’s Artistic Fitness category, which combines physique with dance, gymnastics and acrobatic routines.

Away from the platform, the dedicated teenager was pursuing dentistry studies and was broadly respected for her dedication, optimism and drive, as reported by NeedToKnow.

A featured post on her Instagram account sees her proudly displaying her medals and the Venezuelan flag, a testament to her rapid progress just six months into serious competition.

Fellow athletes and supporters have inundated social media with tributes, praising her radiant smile, commitment in the gym and aspirations of representing Venezuela on the world stage.

The twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on 24 June have resulted in at least 235 confirmed fatalities, with rescue teams persisting in their search for survivors amongst the rubble of collapsed buildings amidst continuing aftershocks.