Tyra Spaulding, a 26-year-old former finalist in the 2023 Miss Universe Jamaica pageant, has died in what police are investigating as a possible suicide. Per Caribbean National Weekly, her body was discovered by family members on Tuesday morning (Sept. 23), suspended from her apartment curtains.
Spaulding, who worked as an accountant, had recently spoken publicly about her struggles with mental health.
In posts shared on social media, she revealed that she was battling suicidal thoughts. “I’m fighting for my life… my mind is trying to kill me,” she explained. “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.” She also shared that she had “no idea” where those thoughts were coming from as she didn’t want to die. Watch below.
The Miss Universe Jamaica organization issued a statement remembering Spaulding as “a radiant soul” whose “spirit touched every life she encountered.”
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of the beautiful Tyra Spaulding. She was a radiant soul and an amazing human being,” the captioned a photo of her on Instagram. “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.”
In conclusion, the org vowed to “keep Tyra’s family, friends, and loved ones in our heartfelt prayers as we celebrate the beautiful life she shared with us.”
Tributes have poured in across social media from friends, supporters, and fellow contestants, many highlighting her kindness and the impact she made beyond the pageant stage.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, help is available. Dial 988 to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
VIBE sends condolences to the family and friends of Tyra Spaulding.