On February 1, the sad news of the passing of Aida Betancourt, who was Miss Puerto Rico in 1969, was announced. Aida, who did not win the Miss Universe contest, handed over the crown the following year to her compatriot Marisol Malaret, becoming the first Puerto Rican to conquer that title.
Following the unfortunate loss of Aida, several compatriots expressed their condolences. Beba Franco, winner of the Miss Puerto Rico pageant in 1971, commented on her sorrow regarding the news: "I found out through social media, a very great sorrow. Aidita has gone to dwell in the house of the Lord, we pray for her eternal rest," she wrote.
The news of Aida's passing was announced by her cousin: "With deep sadness, I inform you of the sudden passing of my cousin Aidita Betancourt (Peache)." Although no details about the cause of her death were revealed, her loved ones mourn the departure of the former beauty queen.
The Miss Universe beauty pageant, which had its first edition in 1952, is one of the most emblematic contests at an international level. Last year, the representative of Denmark was crowned at the Arena Ciudad de México. Aida Betancourt, despite not achieving the title of Miss Universe, left a mark in the history of the contest by handing over the crown to Marisol Malaret, who later won in the 1970s. Her legacy as Miss Puerto Rico 1969 will endure in the memory of those who knew her and appreciated her beauty and elegance.
