The 19-year-old woman who was crowned Miss Honduras has been found dead, according to Honduran police.

Post by Miss World - Honduras.

Maria Jose Alvardo was last seen on Thursday (13th November) at a birthday party with her sister, Sofia Trinidad. The two were reportedly celebrating the birthday of Sofia's boyfriend, Plutarco Ruiz, at a spa in Santa Barbara, Honduras. Shortly after the party, the two women vanished and their bodies have been discovered close to the spa where they were last seen.

It was initially believed they had been kidnapped and numerous attempts were made by the police and protests arranged calling for Jose Alvardo and Trinidad's release. Sadly their bodies have been found and Jose Alvardo and Trinidad were reportedly shot to death.

Trinidad's boyfriend Ruiz and an accomplice have been arrested in connection with the two women's deaths, according to the BBC. Ruiz, who led the police to the bodies, has reportedly admitted to shooting the two women and burying their bodies in a field close to the River Aguagua. 

Jose Alvardo, who was crowned Miss Honduras in April, was due to fly to the London on Sunday (23rd November) to compete in the Miss World Competition. 

The Miss World Organisation issued a statement on Wednesday (19th November) in which they sent their condolences to the families of the two women and announced they would be holding a "special service with all of the Miss World contestants on Sunday." The service will honour the lives of the two women and prayers will be said for them.

On the Organisation's website, a short biography was given for Jose Alvardo. In addition to her hobbies which included dancing, sport and Honduran gastronomy, Jose Alvardo had aspirations for a career in government and wanted to act as a diplomat for her country.