LaToya Malcolm, Jamaica Beauty Queen, Dies at 35; Scholarship Launched

Jamaican beauty queen LaToya Malcolm, a former Miss Jamaica Bikini International titleholder and 2024 finalist for Miss Universe Jamaica, died at age 35 in July 2024. Her family held a funeral service on Saturday, August 22, at Central Assemblies of God church in Kingston.

The ceremony included a tribute flyer that read, “Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.”

During the service, Delano Seiveright, Minister of State in Jamaica’s Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, announced the LaToya Malcolm Scholarship for Resilience. The award will provide $100 000 to two high‑school students to support their educational development.

The scholarship is named after Malcolm to honor her resilience and passion for learning.

The Miss Universe Jamaica franchise posted a tribute on Instagram, writing, “🕊️ In Loving Memory of LaToya Malcolm🤍,” followed by, “We mourn the passing of MUJ alumna LaToya Malcolm, who proudly competed in the 2024 Miss Universe Jamaica Competition. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and loved ones.

Rest peacefully, LaToya. You will never be forgotten.” Gabrielle Henry also shared a heartfelt message: “After many years of experiencing loss and hardship, I’ve learnt the deep relevance of pausing and reflecting on the lives of those who lived fully, unapologetically and with great passion … May she rest in peace.”

## Background & Context

Malcolm first rose to national attention when she won the Miss Jamaica Bikini International title earlier in 2024. She dedicated that victory to her late father, writing on Instagram, “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 🕊️💙.”

## Family Tribute and Scholarship

During the funeral held at Central Assemblies of God, family members paid homage through a service flyer that emphasized Malcolm’s positive impact.

The graphic, shared with People by a relative, carried the words, “Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.” This message reflected the collective grief and admiration felt by those who knew her.

The scholarship announcement followed shortly after the service. Minister Seiveright presented the LaToya Malcolm Scholarship for Resilience, offering two high‑school students $100 000 to pursue their education.

The award is intended to embody Malcolm’s resilience and commitment to growth, ensuring that her legacy continues to inspire future generations.

## Reactions from Pageant Community

The Miss Universe Jamaica franchise honored Malcolm with a heartfelt Instagram tribute, stating that she “will never be forgotten.” Their post expressed support for her family and friends, urging collective prayers. The organization’s message also highlighted her participation in the 2024 competition, emphasizing her role as an alumna.

Current Miss Universe Jamaica titleholder Gabrielle Henry shared her condolences on social media, noting that Malcolm’s impact would be remembered and her voice would not be forgotten. Henry also referenced the importance of pausing to reflect on lives lived fully, urging supporters to keep Malcolm’s memory alive.

No further details regarding the cause or circumstances of her death have been made public.

LaToya Malcolm’s passing has left a void in Jamaica’s pageant community, yet her legacy endures through the scholarship and the heartfelt tributes she inspired. As students receive the scholarship funds and fans remember her passion, her influence continues to resonate across the island.