LaToya Malcolm, a former Miss Universe Jamaica finalist and entertainment industry figure, has died at the age of 35.
News of Malcolm’s death was confirmed by the Miss Universe Jamaica organization.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Miss Universe Jamaica alumna LaToya Malcolm, who proudly competed in the 2024 Miss Universe Jamaica competition,” the organization wrote in an Instagram statement on Saturday.
“Our heartfelt condolences are with her family, friends and loved ones. Rest peacefully, LaToya, you will never be forgotten,” the tribute continued.
No cause of death has been publicly disclosed.
Malcolm competed in the 2024 Miss Universe Jamaica pageant, the same year Rachel Silvera went on to win the crown. She also earned the title of Miss Jamaica Bikini International in 2024.
The organization remembered Malcolm as an “actress and entertainer with over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry.”
According to her Instagram bio, Malcolm was also a dance instructor and television host, reflecting a wide-ranging career across performance, media and pageantry.
Former Miss Universe Jamaica finalist LaToya Malcolm has died at age 35
Miss Universe Jamaica confirmed the beauty queen’s death on Saturday via Instagram
Her last social media post was shared on July 3 and showed her posing backstage during an appearance on TVJ Smile Jamaica.
Miss Universe Jamaica Gabrielle Henry took to Instagram on Sunday evening to pay tribute.
‘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,’ she wrote, alongside a post from Jamaica Observer announcing Malcolm’s death.
‘To hear of LaToya’s passing is a great loss to her family and the wider community [and] 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.’
Many of Malcolm’s fans, friends and family members also shared tributes in the wake of her passing.
‘RIP my sweet cousin! We had plans for March 14, and every year we say we need to do a big thing together to celebrate our birthdays,’ wrote one loved one.
‘We always called each other twins because even though we were cousins, we had the same birthday (same month, same day, same year), and we always joke how our dads planned it! I’m [going to] miss you Bunz.’
In addition to competing in the 2024 Miss Universe Jamaica pageant, Malcolm (center) also won the title of Miss Jamaica Bikini International in 2024
Her last social media post was shared on July 3 and showed her posing backstage during an appearance on TVJ Smile Jamaica
She was described as an ‘actress and entertainer with over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry’ by the organization
‘2024 was just the other day. She was such a pleasant person. So calm and easy to work with. May her soul rest in peace,’ someone else who knew her commented.
‘You’re not sleeping, you’re dancing with angels. Sweet soul, Toya. My choreographer, my friend, my past coworker, a very pleasant soul,’ said another.
‘I will forever miss you. You’re with your dad now. Live on happily, sweet friend.’
‘Toya, my sis, my friend. I’ll forever miss you. This news broke me in a million ways. Love you forever, my dance choreographer, [the] most gorgeous soul,’ added a different Instagram user.
