Tyra Spaulding, a former Miss Universe Jamaica contestant, met a tragic end after bravely chronicling her harrowing battle with mental health on YouTube. She was only 26 years old. On the fateful Tuesday evening of September 23, Spaulding was found lifeless in her apartment, a victim of an apparent suicide, as reported by The Gleaner, citing the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Corporate Communications Unit (CCU). The 2023 Miss Universe contestant was discovered hanging in her bedroom by her grieving relatives.
The Miss Universe Jamaica organization paid a heartfelt tribute to Spaulding on Instagram, confirming the devastating news of her passing. “Our hearts are heavy with sorrow as we mourn the loss of the beautiful Tyra Spaulding. She was a radiant soul and an extraordinary human being,” the organization wrote, accompanying the post with a poignant photo of Spaulding. “Her light, grace, beauty, and kind spirit touched every life she encountered.”
“...At the Miss Universe Jamaica Organization, we keep Tyra’s family, friends, and loved ones in our deepest prayers as we celebrate the beautiful life she shared with us,” the organization continued, their words brimming with emotion.
Spaulding’s untimely death came hot on the heels of several candid YouTube videos where she openly discussed her ongoing struggle with mental health issues. “I resigned from my 9-to-5 job, but it was a terrible decision because my mental health just plummeted,” she revealed in a video posted on August 31. “And guys, I reached a point where I made a plan to end my life. So, to anyone out there considering [quitting your job], just don’t—don’t do it.”
In that same video, Spaulding disclosed that she had previously attempted suicide and was currently undergoing therapy, thanks to the support of her former employer. In another heart-wrenching video posted on September 5, she confessed, “I’m fighting for my life over here. I feel like I need to go out and do something because my mind is trying to destroy me. And if I do nothing, I am going to die… I am fighting for my life… I’m definitely in a battle right now.”
Spaulding further revealed that she was plagued by suicidal thoughts “every day” and spoke of feeling “overwhelmed.” She also voiced her concerns about the daunting task of building a sustainable future while juggling her entrepreneurial pursuits.
