Photo: Instagram/officialmissuniversejamaica/ latoya_officially
LaToya Malcolm, a former Miss Universe Jamaica finalist and the 2024 Miss Jamaica Bikini International titleholder, has died at 35.
Miss Universe Jamaica announced her passing in a statement posted to Instagram on Saturday (July 18), per the Jamaica Observer.
"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."
Her cause of death was not disclosed.
Malcolm was a Jamaican-based actress, entertainer, and dance instructor with more than a decade of experience in the entertainment industry, per the Miss Universe Jamaica Instagram account. She was also known for her work with the Transition Project, a program providing training and resources for adolescents navigating new opportunities, per PEOPLE.
Her 2024 pageant journey was marked by personal loss. Malcolm had lost her father earlier that year and competed while privately carrying that grief. She later won the Miss Jamaica Bikini International title that same year, dedicating the win to him on Instagram.
"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.
Current Miss Universe Jamaica titleholder Gabrielle Henry shared her condolences on Instagram. "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," Henry wrote.
Tributes from former classmates, pageant colleagues, and collaborators poured in across social media following the announcement.
One commenter who worked with Malcolm during the 2024 competition remembered her as "a breath of fresh air," writing, "Even though she was grieving her dad's passing at the time, she pushed through the Miss Universe competition."
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