Former Miss Universe Jamaica finalist and actress LaToya Malcolm has died at just 35, leaving Jamaica’s pageant and entertainment communities stunned and heartbroken.
The Miss Universe Jamaica organization announced Malcolm’s death in an emotional Instagram statement on July 18, paying tribute to the former contestant who competed in the 2024 national pageant and later captured the Miss Jamaica Bikini International title that same year.
“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 organization wrote.
“Our heartfelt condolences are with her family, friends, and loved ones. Rest peacefully, LaToya. You will never be forgotten.”
No cause of death was included in the announcement.
Malcolm was remembered not only as a beauty queen, but also as a Jamaican-based actress, entertainer, dance instructor and mentor who spent more than a decade building a name for herself in the entertainment world. According to the Miss Universe Jamaica organization, she was known for her talent, drive and passion both onstage and off.
Her pageant journey became especially powerful in 2024, when she pushed forward through grief following the death of her father earlier that year. Despite the personal loss, Malcolm continued training and went on to win the Miss Jamaica Bikini International crown.
After her victory, she dedicated the win to her late father in a touching Instagram post.
“My beloved father, Mr. Malcolm, this win was for you. Your one and only daughter continues to make you proud. I know you’re smiling down on me from heaven,” she wrote at the time.
The heartbreaking tribute has taken on new meaning after news of Malcolm’s sudden passing, with fans and fellow pageant figures now looking back on her final year as one marked by both loss and triumph.
Malcolm was also involved in community work through the Transition project, an initiative aimed at helping adolescents gain the training, support and resources needed to step into new opportunities and build brighter futures.
Her death sparked an outpouring of grief online, with supporters flooding the Miss Universe Jamaica comment section with tributes and condolences for her family.
“She was such a wonderful person,” one commenter wrote. “When I met and worked with her in 2024, she was a breath of fresh air. Even though she was grieving her dad’s passing at the time, she pushed through the Miss Universe competition. Rest In Sweet Peace Latty.”
Another person added, “She was so full of light, always joyful. I’m still struggling to comprehend how this could even be possible. My condolences to her family and friends.”
Current Miss Universe Jamaica titleholder Gabrielle Henry also shared a heartfelt message on Instagram Stories after learning of Malcolm’s death.
Henry, who made headlines last year after suffering a shocking fall from the stage at the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand, reflected on the pain of loss while honoring Malcolm’s life and legacy.
“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 LaToya’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.”
For those who knew Malcolm, her death is especially difficult because she had built a reputation as someone who kept showing up, even while carrying private pain.
She was a performer, a competitor and a woman who used her platform to inspire others. Her final public chapter showed that determination in full view, as she honored her father, chased her dreams and claimed a crown in the same year she endured one of life’s hardest losses.
Now, friends, fans and Jamaica’s pageant world are mourning a woman they say was full of light, joy and purpose.
Malcolm is survived by family, friends and a community of supporters who say her presence will not be forgotten.
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