A beloved member of the Miss Universe Jamaica community has passed away.
LaToya Malcom, who competed in the 2024 competition and took home the Miss Jamaica Bikini International title that year, has died, according to Miss Universe Jamaica. In a statement shared on Instagram, the organization offered condolences while adding that she would “never be forgotten.”
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Miss Universe Jamaica alumna LaToya Malcolm, who proudly competed in the 2024 Miss Universe Jamaica Competition,” the Miss Universe Jamaica organization wrote on July 18. “Our heartfelt condolences are with her family, friends, and loved ones. Rest peacefully, LaToya. You will never be forgotten.”
A dance instructor, Malcolm won the 2024 Miss Jamaica Bikini International title and said at the time that months of rigorous training in the gym helped lead her to the crown.
“It is just an overwhelming feeling,” she told the Jamaica Observer at the time. “My family and supporters know how hard I have been working. I live in the gym. I live in the dance studio on the dance floor. I am a dance instructor at Encore dance studios. I have been so dedicated over the years and this year the last six to seven months have been jam-packed with work and more dedication, so I am really honoured to be here receiving a trophy as the winner.”
Malcolm dedicated the win to her father, who passed earlier that year.
“I lost my dad in April and I still worked right through; it has been hard on me, but I thank God for the resilience and strength, family and friends, my supporters,” she said.
In her own statement shared on her Instagram Stories, Gabrielle Henry, the current Miss Universe Jamaica, shared condolences for Malcolm and her family. Henry continues to recover from a catastrophic fall she suffered last year at the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand.
“After many years of experiencing loss and hardship, I’ve learnt the deep relevance of pausing and reflecting on the lives of those who lived fully, unapologetically and with great passion,” Henry wrote. “To hear of Laloya’s passing is a great loss to her family and the wider community, Jamaica, her impact will always be remembered and her voice will not be forgotten. Wishing her family my deepest condolences. May she rest in peace.”
