LaToya Malcolm competed in the 2024 pageant and later won a national title.
LaToya Malcolm, a former Miss Universe Jamaica contestant, has died at age 35, the organization confirmed in an Instagram post on July 18. The announcement did not include details about the cause of death.
Malcolm competed in the 2024 Miss Universe Jamaica competition and went on to win the 2024 Miss Jamaica Bikini International title later that year. The Miss Universe Jamaica organization described her passing as a significant loss and extended condolences to her family, friends and loved ones in its statement.
A career built on performance and mentorship
According to the Miss Universe Jamaica Instagram account, Malcolm spent more than a decade working as an actor and entertainer based in Jamaica. She was also known professionally as a dance instructor, according to a report from the Jamaica Observer.
Malcolm’s win in the 2024 Miss Jamaica Bikini International competition came during a difficult period in her personal life, as she had lost her father earlier that same year. Despite the loss, she continued training for the competition and ultimately secured the title, a moment she credited to her father’s influence and memory.
Involvement in youth mentorship work
Beyond pageantry and entertainment, Malcolm was recognized for her involvement with the Transition project, an initiative focused on providing training and resources to help adolescents navigate new opportunities. Her work with the program reflected a broader commitment to mentorship within her community.
Her dual roles as a performer and mentor earned her recognition both within the pageant world and in the wider Jamaican entertainment industry, where she had built a reputation over many years.
Tributes pour in from pageant community
News of Malcolm’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from those who knew her personally and professionally. Gabrielle Henry, the current Miss Universe Jamaica titleholder, shared her condolences through her own Instagram account, reflecting on the significance of honoring those who lived with passion and purpose. Henry, who drew international attention last year following a highly publicized fall during the Miss Universe competition in Thailand, described Malcolm’s impact on her community as lasting and meaningful.
Numerous well wishers also left messages of support in the comments section of the Miss Universe Jamaica organization’s original post. Many recalled Malcolm’s warmth and resilience, particularly her ability to continue competing and performing while grieving the loss of her father. Others described her as a source of light and positivity within the industry, expressing disbelief at the news of her sudden passing.
Remembering her legacy
Malcolm’s dual accomplishments in both pageantry and youth mentorship have left a lasting impression on those who worked alongside her. Colleagues and admirers within the Jamaican entertainment and pageant communities have highlighted her dedication to both her craft and to supporting the next generation through her mentorship work.
The Miss Universe Jamaica organization has not released additional details regarding funeral arrangements or the circumstances surrounding her death. The organization’s tribute emphasized that Malcolm would continue to be remembered for her contributions to the pageant community and the broader entertainment industry in Jamaica.
As tributes continue to circulate across social media, Malcolm is being remembered not only for her achievements on stage but also for the personal resilience she demonstrated during a period of profound loss, and for the mentorship she offered to young people navigating their own paths forward.