Miss Universe Jamaica Contestant LaToya Malcolm Dies at 35

LaToya Malcolm, a former Miss Universe Jamaica contestant, actor, and community volunteer, has died at the age of 35. The Miss Universe Jamaica organization announced her passing on Saturday, July 18, 2026. No cause of death has been publicly disclosed.

Malcolm was known to a national audience as a contestant in the 2024 Miss Universe Jamaica competition. In a statement posted to Instagram, the organization said it was "deeply saddened" by her passing and offered condolences to her family and friends. "Rest peacefully, LaToya. You will never be forgotten," the statement read.

Her career, however, extended well beyond pageantry. With over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry, Malcolm worked as an actor, television presenter, and dance instructor. She was a recent guest on the TVJ morning program "Smile Jamaica," where she shared her dance skills with viewers. Her commitment to community service was also a significant part of her life. She volunteered with the Transition Project, an initiative aimed at providing Jamaican adolescents with training, mentorship, and resources to navigate career opportunities.

In August 2024, Malcolm achieved a major personal victory by...