LaToya Malcolm, a 2024 Miss Universe Jamaica finalist, actress, and dance instructor who dedicated her pageant career to her late father, has died at 35, with her cause of death still unknown.
The Miss Universe Jamaica organization confirmed Malcolm's death on Saturday, posting a tribute on Instagram that called her an alumna who "proudly competed in the 2024 Miss Universe Jamaica Competition." The organization did not disclose where Malcolm died or what caused her death.
Malcolm had been considered among the favorites to win the 2024 pageant. Her run through the competition was marked by personal tragedy: her father, identified only as Mr. Malcolm, died during the competition cycle. She pressed forward and won the Miss Jamaica Bikini International title, dedicating it publicly to him.
In a written statement at the time of that win, Malcolm wrote:
"My beloved father, Mr. Malcolm, this win was for you. Your one and only daughter continues to make you proud. I know you're smiling down on me from heaven."
Beyond pageantry and acting, Malcolm devoted time in the final years of her life to the Transition Project, a program that helps underprivileged teenagers get training and resources to succeed as young adults. The organization's full affiliation was not detailed in available reports, but Malcolm's involvement reflected a pattern of community work that those close to her highlighted after her death.
Her passing at 35 adds to a string of young performers and public figures lost far too early. Daveigh Chase, the child star known for voicing Lilo, also died at 35, and singer Lauren Bennett died at 36 after her family pointed to systemic health-care failures.
Gabrielle Henry, the current Miss Universe Jamaica titleholder, issued a public statement mourning Malcolm. Henry herself made headlines after going viral when she fell on stage during a pageant event.
Henry called Malcolm's death "a great loss to her family and the wider community, Jamaica," and said Malcolm's impact and voice would not be forgotten:
"To hear of LaToya's passing is a great loss to her family and the wider community, Jamaica, her impact will always be remembered and her voice will not be forgotten. Wishing her family my deepest condolences. May she rest in peace."
The Miss Universe Jamaica organization's Instagram tribute kept its focus on remembrance rather than circumstances. "Our heartfelt condolences are with her family, friends, and loved ones," the post read. "Rest peacefully, LaToya. You will never be forgotten."
No official statement from Malcolm's family has surfaced publicly, and the location and manner of her death remain unreported. Her Instagram account, @latoya_officially, had chronicled her pageant journey and community work.
Sudden losses like Malcolm's echo other recent deaths of young public figures, including actor Grizz Chapman, who died at 52 after years of illness, and a Missouri teenager crowned prom queen just days before a fatal crash took her life.
Malcolm competed on a national stage, lost her father along the way, won a title in his name, and then turned her platform toward helping kids who needed it. Whatever answers her family and community are still waiting for, that record speaks for itself.
