Tyra Spaulding, a former Miss Universe Jamaica contestant, was found dead in her apartment on September 23. The 26-year-old’s death is being investigated as an apparent suicide, as reported by The Gleaner, citing the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Corporate Communications Unit (CCU).
Relatives reportedly discovered the 2023 Miss Universe contestant, who had publicly shared her struggles with mental health on YouTube, hanging in her bedroom.
The Miss Universe Jamaica organization shared the sad news of Spaulding’s passing in an Instagram tribute.
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The organization wrote along with a photo of Spaulding, “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.”
“…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,” the organization added.
Members of the Miss Universe Jamaica 2023 cohort have expressed their shock and condolences on social media following the news, the Gleaner reports.
Among them was Miss Universe Jamaica 2023, Jordanne Lauren Levy, who 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.”
Tika Rutherford also shared in her Instagram story that: “Words cannot begin to describe the feeling that this news has brought us. Tyra you were so loved and I wish you knew that….”
People reported that Spaulding’s death occurred after she had posted a series of YouTube videos discussing her struggles with mental health.
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“I resigned from my 9 to 5 job, but it was a terrible decision because my mental health just took up plummeted,” she said in a video posted on August 31. “And guys, I was at the point where I made a plan to kill myself, so anybody on air, considering [leaving your job] just don’t don’t do it.”
In the video, Spaulding disclosed her past suicide attempt and confirmed she was undergoing therapy, a process aided by her former employer.
In another video posted on September 5, she said, “I’m fighting for my life over here. I feel like I need to go out and do something because my mind is trying to kill me. And if I do nothing, I am going to die … I am fighting for my life … I’m definitely in a battle right now.”
Spaulding revealed that she experienced daily suicidal thoughts and feelings of being “overwhelmed.” She also expressed concerns about the struggle to “build a sustainable future” while simultaneously managing her work and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Two years ago, Spaulding was one of 30 finalists who fought for the crown.
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