Josh Guevera, the 2025 contender who represented the state of New Mexico in this year’s Mister USA competition, passed away on Sunday, September 28th. His legacy and the positive influence he had on people will live on forever.
Mister USA organization remembers Josh Guevara
A moving post on Instagram, which also incorporated a video, stated, “It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved brother, Josh Guevara, Mister New Mexico 2025. Josh passed away on Sunday, September 28th, after a sudden and severe illness.”
“Quiet in his strength and generous in spirit, Josh never let on how much pain he was in until the very end. That was Josh—always putting others first, always showing up with a smile, and never seeking the spotlight, even though it naturally found him,” the post said.
The poignant post continued, “To know Josh was to experience light. He radiated warmth, kindness, and quiet strength. Whether he was backstage hyping up his fellow competitors or shining under the stage lights during Finals, he carried himself with grace, heart, and an undeniable spark.”
“His passion for modeling and being part of Mister USA gave him so much joy, and we’re grateful he was able to live out that passion. His family shared that the Mister USA experience meant the world to Josh. He felt truly seen and loved here—and that love was mutual. He walked into this brotherhood with quiet humility and left a legacy of genuine connection, positivity, and unforgettable presence,” it elaborated.
“Though he lived his final days in Mexico with his mother, Josh’s journey left an imprint that spans far beyond borders. His brothers from Nevada were with us at the Finals and shared just how much Josh cherished every moment with his Mister USA family. We’re honored to have been part of his story, and he will forever be a part of ours,” the tribute expanded.
“Let’s remember Josh not just for his outer beauty, but for the beautiful soul he shared with us. Let’s honor him by continuing to uplift one another, by choosing kindness, and by never taking for granted the moments we have. Josh, your light lives on in every one of us.We love you. We miss you and we will never forget you,” the post concluded.
In a post on his Instagram page (four days before his passing), Guevara himself proclaimed that “Representing New Mexico was an honor 😌 🫶🏻”
In a prior post, Guevara reflected, “So blessed to have been apart of this amazing journey with such amazing people.”
Mister USA contestants pay homage to their late ‘brother’ Josh Guevara
Josh Guevera was well-loved by each and every single of his fellow contestants (who became brothers) with him. His loss was felt by all.
Hayden Greene (Mister Ohio) remarked, “Rest in peace, Josh. I’m so thankful to have gotten to spend time with you. You are an incredible soul and you’ll be missed forever brother. 🩵”
Ken Belt (Mister Hawaii) stated, “Such an amazing being, he brought a light to this world that radiated through everybody, God Bless his Soul ❤️”
Adrian Quiroz (Mister California) stated, “Josh was 1 of 1, had the purest heart, uplifted us, and always had the best intentions for all of us.. I’m very grateful I got to get close to him and call him my brother. He will always be loved and appreciated by us all. Rest in peace my brother, my friend, and forever our New México. Miss you and will always carry you with me 😔❤️🩹”
Nathan Tsuji (Mister Washington) remarked, “Kind, humble, driven, strong, caring, there just aren’t enough words to describe him. We are all better people for having shared time with Josh. While the world has lost an incredible human today, he will live on through the positive effect he’s had on all of us. ❤️ Rest in peace brother, I know you’re having fun exploring the next stage 🙏🏽”
Logan Corbett (Mister Oklahoma) stated, “Josh was a one of a kind individual. The type of man we should all strive to be. A light and a smile at all times. His words weren’t plentiful, but they held impact and captivated the ears around him when he did speak. The world is a little less bright without you, bub. Until we meet again. ❤️”
Mister Nevada Brandon Zicker remarked, “One of the kindest people I’ve ever met. He was a good man and I’m happy to have been given the opportunity to meet him. Rest in peace my friend.”
2025 Mister USA winner Mikey Chadwick (who repped West Virginia) said, “Rest in peace brother.”
Shane O’Brien (Mister Virginia) stated, “Devastated beyond belief, he has such a pure heart that is truly one of a kind. I’m a better man for having the privilege to know him. His light will shine on forever ❤️”
Wes Daybell (Mister Utah) said, “Such an amazing guy! Grateful I had the opportunity to meet him🤍”
Mister Lousiana Joseph Lopez said, “RIP brother 🫂✨ sending my love to the family and friends of Josh ❤️🩹”
Treven Hokland (Mister Wyoming) stated, “Josh was super inspiring and a amazing human most humble guy. I’m very thankful to have spent time with him. Rest in peace Josh ❤️”
Keif Kratochvil (Mister Nebraska) remarked, “Miss you josh, such a good guy.”
Jacob Kuhn (Mister Arizona) said, “Truly one of the most gracious and humble guys I had the pleasure to meet and work with. God bless him and his family. His memory lives on. 🙏🏽🕊️”
Michael Thomas White (Mister South Carolina) said, “Kindest man you’ll ever meet. Taken far too soon. RIP Josh 💔”
Drew Tillman (Mister Indiana) said, “Josh will be missed very deeply. He was a man all of us took inspiration from and admired as he was strong, vibrant, radiating with positive energy and brought the brotherhood we have formed all together, alive. He will be forever remembered and the time shared with him will be cherished. Keeping all of you in my prayers ❤️🙏🏼”
Joseph Woods (Mister New Hampshire) said, “One of the most humble people I have ever met 💔Only the good die young 😔 I wish that I could have come to visit you in Mexico like we talked about. You’ll always hold a special place in my heart brother ❤️”
Nurse Jean Carlo Salazar (Mister Connecticut), who was perhaps one of the closest with Josh throughout the competition, expressed how heartbroken and devastated he was over the sudden loss.
Photographer Angelo Catalonia said, “Such a gentle soul❤️. During the talent portion, I asked him what is he going to preset, he replied “ I am here to support every candidate” Josh you will be missed. Keep shining in heaven ❤️”
Scott Cabrera Carnwath of Mister USA expressed, “I had the joy and honor of creating this video in memory of Josh—a loving and radiant soul who shined not only on the stage during this competition, but in every part of his life. My heart and love go out to his family, with the comfort of knowing that Josh is looking down on us, cheering us on. Until we meet again, my brother in Christ.”
Josh Guevara’s elaborate interview with this journalist about his Mister USA journey may be read by clicking here.
