Former Miss Universe Jamaica finalist Tyra Spaulding will be laid to rest this Saturday, October 25th, at Perry’s Funeral Chapel, 27 Job Lane, Spanish Town, St. Catherine. The Thanksgiving Service for her life will commence at 1:00 p.m., where family, friends, and members of Jamaica’s pageant community are expected to gather to celebrate the life of the 26-year-old beauty contestant turned accountant whose passing last month left the nation heartbroken.
Spaulding’s death on September 24, 2025, sent shockwaves across social media and among her peers after police confirmed it as a suspected suicide. Known for her grace, intelligence, and passion for mental health advocacy, the former contestant of the 2023 Miss Universe Jamaica pageant was discovered at her home by relatives shortly before 7 p.m. According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Corporate Communications Unit, a curtain was found around her neck. Her death came just weeks after she posted a series of concerning messages online, including an emotional YouTube video titled Don’t Be Sad, where she admitted, “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.”
Tyra’s passing reignited national conversations about mental health and suicide prevention in Jamaica. Despite years of advocacy and increased awareness, the island continues to see a troubling rise in suicide cases. Official data shows that 67 Jamaicans lost their lives to suicide in 2024 — the highest figure in nearly 25 years — with mental health professionals warning that younger populations are particularly at risk. Studies also reveal that nearly one in four Jamaican teens has seriously contemplated suicide, highlighting a silent crisis that continues to grow beneath the surface of everyday life.
Across social media, tributes continue to pour in for Spaulding, with many recalling her warmth, intelligence, and dedication to helping others. Fellow contestants, public figures, and fans alike have shared heartfelt posts using the hashtag #ForTyra, urging Jamaicans to check in on loved ones and to “speak life even when it hurts.”
As loved ones prepare to say their final goodbyes this weekend, Tyra Spaulding’s life stands as both an inspiration and a sobering reminder of the importance of compassion, mental health awareness, and collective care.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. Contact 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 can also be reached at 211.
