During the Miss Universe pageant’s preliminary evening gown competition on November 19, Miss Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, had a dramatic fall off the stage. Henry is not only a beauty queen but also an ophthalmologist and the founder of the See Me Foundation, a charity that advocates for the visually impaired throughout Jamaica.
Video shared by Meekii Modez on Instagram shows Henry stumbling while walking in a striking orange gown and high heels, moments after posing at the front of the stage and moving towards the left side.
The shocking incident left onlookers standing in concern to check on the contestant, who is now recovering from the major fall, according to Today.
Another video online shows a group of people coming to her aid and removing her on a stretcher.
READ ALSO: Ophthalmologist Dr Gabrielle Henry wins Miss Universe Jamaica on her second attempt
Hours later, the Miss Universe Jamaica Organization released a statement offering an update on Henry. The organization confirmed that she “experienced a fall from the main stage during the evening gown round” ahead of the Miss Universe finals this weekend in Thailand.
“She was rushed to the Paolo Rangsit Hospital, where medical professionals are attending to her care and have advised that she is not suffering from any life-threatening injuries,” the statement posted on Instagram reads. “However, they continue to conduct tests to ensure her full recovery.”
The organization requested continued support, asking people to “stay upbeat, lift her in prayer, and send positive thoughts as she receives the necessary medical care,” while also expressing gratitude for the extensive love and support shown.
Raul Rocha, the owner of the Miss Universe pageant, posted an update to reassure fans, stating that Henry is “under good care” and, miraculously, nothing was broken in the fall, as reported by the New York Post.
“I was there with her family and her, and thankfully, there are no broken bones, and she is under good care. She will remain under observation for the rest of the night, and we will remain in touch with her family and support her,” Rocha wrote.
“Our prayers go out for her prompt recovery.”
Before the incident, Henry had successfully competed in the national costume and swimsuit segments of the pageant.
READ ALSO: Tributes paid to ex-Miss Universe Jamaica contestant who reportedly died by suicide at 26
The 74th Miss Universe competition commenced with the sashing ceremony on November 5. However, the pageant immediately faced difficulty when Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, voiced her concerns after a public disagreement with executive Nawat Itsaragrisil.
The Thai businessman and national director of Miss Universe Thailand had singled her out and criticized her at an official event. Itsaragrisil later apologized to Bosch for his actions after Rocha called him out.
Adding to the controversy, Miss Universe judge Omar Harfouch abruptly resigned from the official jury just days before the competition began.
Harfouch claimed that an “impromptu jury,” with personal connections to some of the 136 contestants, had already decided which women would advance.
