Former Miss Universe Jamaica contestant Tyra Spaulding has been found dead at her home in what police are treating as a suspected suicide, shocking fans, friends, and the wider public. The 26-year-old accountant, remembered for her elegance and strong advocacy on mental health awareness, was discovered by relatives around 6:55 p.m. on Tuesday, according to the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Corporate Communications Network (CCN). A curtain was reportedly found around her neck.
Spaulding competed in the 2023 Miss Universe Jamaica pageant, where she stood out not just for her poise but for her commitment to raising awareness about suicide prevention. In recent months, however, friends and colleagues noted her struggles, pointing to a series of concerning social media posts. On August 15, she confessed to followers on Instagram that she was “going through hell.” Just two weeks ago, she uploaded a YouTube video titled Don’t Be Sad, where she opened up about her battle with suicidal ideation: “I’m fighting for my life… my mind is trying to kill me. Part of me wants to live, but another part wants to die.”
Her passing comes at a critical moment for Jamaica, a nation witnessing a troubling rise in suicide cases. Official figures show 67 lives lost to suicide in 2024, the highest in nearly a quarter century, and a sharp increase from 43 in 2020. Although the island’s rate of roughly 2.1 to 2.4 per 100,000 people remains below the global average, health experts warn the trend is alarming, especially with surveys indicating that nearly one in four Jamaican teens has seriously contemplated suicide.
Tyra Spaulding’s death underscores the painful irony of a young woman who fought publicly for mental health awareness while privately battling her own demons. As investigations continue, her story serves as both a sobering reminder of the silent battles many face and a rallying call to break the stigma surrounding mental illness.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, support is available through the Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Helpline at 888-NEW-LIFE (639-5433), the Safe Spot initiative at 888-723-3776 or WhatsApp 876-439-5199, and the U-Matter chat line at 876-838-4897. The CPFSA Child Protection Hotline is also available at 211.
