Former Miss Universe Jamaica contestant Tyra Spaulding has died after expressing struggles with her mental health. She was 26.
Spaulding’s body was reportedly found at her apartment by her family on Tuesday, September 23, according to Caribbean National Weekly. Police are investigating her death as a possible suicide, the outlet reported.
The Miss Universe Jamaica organization confirmed Spaulding’s death via Instagram on Wednesday, September 24, sharing a statement alongside a photo of the pageant queen. The post also included a video of Spaulding walking down a runway in a sparkly yellow dress with a huge smile on her face as the audience erupted in applause off camera.
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of the beautiful Tyra Spaulding. 🕊️💙,” the statement read. “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.”
The post continued, “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.”
Fans in the comments sent their support to the organization and Spaulding’s family.
“Condolences to her loved ones and the MUJ franchise. My heart just broke when the news broke and so sad indeed with the emotions that she was dealing with ❤️🕊💐,” one user commented.
“My deepest condolences to her family and friends. Sorry for your loss. Praying for her family. May her soul R.I.P.,” another person added.
Tyra Spaulding Tyra Spaulding/Youtube
Spaulding admitted to battling suicidal thoughts in the weeks leading up to her death.
“I’m fighting for my life over here,” she said in a September 4 YouTube video. “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, guys. Everyday 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.”
Spaulding said that she didn’t know where the suicidal thoughts came from.
“I have no idea. They’re my own thoughts, but do I want to be having them? No,” she continued. “Do I want to die? I mean, it would be easier than having to deal with the ups and downs of life, but … I don’t know. All I know is, right now I am fighting for my life. Right now I’m just trying to do anything I can that will distract me, give me temporary motivation, I don’t know.”
Later in the video, Spaulding said she wondered “how many other people go through stuff like this.”
“And I can’t quite pinpoint … why am I thinking these things all of a sudden?” she asked. “It’s like there’s two different me’s. One of them wants me to live and one of them wants me to die. … It’s me against me over here.”
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
