Damarys Ruiz shot to stardom in 1973 when she entered Miss Venezuela
Spent last 15 years of her life homeless and her body was found in a park
None of the 68-year-old's family have visited the hospital to identify body
Heartbreaking end: Damarys Ruiz, 68, died on the streets after spending the last 15 years of her life homeless
Heyday: The brunette shot to stardom in 1973 at the age of 26 when she entered the Miss Venezuela contest
Despite being just 5ft 2" tall, the beautiful Miss Sucre - a state in the north of Venezuela - impressed the judges with her intelligence and looks, including her hourglass figure.
Despite her fame and popularity, Ms Ruiz never made it to the big time. After deciding not to pursue a career in law, she began selling homemade crafts and junk jewellery in Caracas.
She never had a proper boyfriend and instead lived with her brother, who according to friends was jealous of her and didn't allow her any freedom.
In a rare interview in 2005, Ms Ruiz told local media: 'He used to starve me. He often threatened me and often hit me.
'I repeatedly called the police but they never did anything.'
Not able to stand the abuse, she fled in 2000 and, with nowhere else to go, started living on the streets.
