⚠️ SENSITIVE CONTENT⚠️ Former Miss Universe Jamaica Finalist Tyra Spaulding has been found dead at 26 after previously sharing her struggles with suicidal thoughts.
According to Jamaican news publication The Gleaner, Spaulding, who worked as an accountant, was found at home by relatives on Tuesday evening (September 23).
Local police are currently investigating Spaulding’s death as a suspected suicide. Per The Gleaner, the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) confirmed on Wednesday (September 24) that relatives discovered Spaulding reportedly hanging in her bedroom with a pink curtain tied around her neck.
Spaulding was a former contestant in the 2023 Miss Universe Jamaica competition. She was among the 30 finalists who competed for the crown two years ago. Following her passing, social media began circulating a video of Spaulding previously telling her followers that she was struggling with her mental health and dealing with suicidal thoughts.
In the viral video, she says, “I’m fighting for my life… my mind is trying to kill me. Every day I get up, my mind tells me to go and jump off a building. It tells me to go and overdose on pills. It tells me to go and hang myself.”
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Miss Universe Jamaica 2023 Contestants Mourn Passing Of Fellow Competitor Tyra Spaulding
Reacting to the news of Spaulding’s death were some of the members of the Miss Universe Jamaica 2023 competition. Miss Universe Jamaica 2023 winner Jordanne Lauren Levy wrote on her Instagram Story, “My heart is heavy as I learned of the passing of a fellow contestant from the Miss Universe Jamaica family. I’m holding her loved ones in close prayer during this unimaginable time… Rest in peace Tyra.”
Levy continued to highlight that people often hide their struggles behind a smile. She urged her followers to remember they are not alone and that every life is precious. Levy continued to emphasize that asking for help in times of need is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Another contestant from the same year, Tika Rutherford, expressed her sadness with a heartfelt message on her Instagram Story. She wrote, “Words cannot begin to describe the feeling that this news has brought us. Tyra you were so loved and I wish you knew that…”
Elsewhere, Spaulding has been grieved and remembered as “a bright, brilliant, and motivated” woman. On the Official Miss Universe Jamaica Instagram page, a tribute read:
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of the beautiful Tyra Spaulding. 🕊💙 She was a radiant soul and an amazing human being. Her light, grace, beauty and kind spirit touched every life she encountered, leaving memories that will never fade. She had a smile that lit up every room, bringing warmth and joy to all who had the privilege of knowing her. We at the Miss Universe Jamaica Organization keep Tyra’s family, friends, and loved ones in our heartfelt prayers as we celebrate the beautiful life she shared with us.”
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis please reach out to the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
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