LaToya Malcolm Dies at 35, Miss Universe Jamaica Announces

Q: After a triumphant win, what led to the sudden death of Jamaica's 35-year-old pageant star?

The cause of LaToya Malcolm’s death has not been made public. Miss Universe Jamaica announced that the 35-year-old former finalist had died, but neither the organization nor other cited sources provided any details about what led to her sudden passing. As of now, there is no confirmed explanation for her death. What is known is that Malcolm had recently celebrated a major career high, winning the 2024 Miss Jamaica Bikini International title and taking additional awards for best figure, best legs, and best condition. She had said the victory followed an intense period of work and gym training and came during a difficult personal chapter after the death of her father in April 2024. Malcolm was widely known in Jamaica as a TV host, dance instructor, actress, and entertainer, and she was also recognized for community work, including support for underprivileged teenagers and youth career development. Tributes from Miss Universe Jamaica and reigning titleholder Dr. Gabrielle Henry described her death as a major loss to her family and the wider Jamaican community. Until family members or officials release more information, any claim about what caused her death would be unverified.

3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 20

Miss Universe Jamaica said on July 18 that LaToya Malcolm, a 2024 contestant and alumna of the pageant, has died at 35.
No cause of death or further details were released, and the organization said only that it was mourning Malcolm and offering condolences to her family and friends.
Malcolm also won the 2024 Miss Jamaica Bikini International title, taking best figure, best legs and best condition after what she described as months of intense work.
Her death drew tributes from across Jamaica's pageant community, including 2025 Miss Universe Jamaica Gabrielle Henry, who called it a loss to Malcolm's family and the wider community.