How Miss Universe Contestant LaToya Malcolm’s Family Will Honor Her Legacy After Death at 35

Miss Universe contestant LaToya Malcolm’s family is continuing to honor her legacy after her sudden death at age 35.

Malcolm’s family held a funeral service for the late beauty queen at Central Assemblies of God church in Kingston, Jamaica, on Saturday, August 22, according to a graphic shared with People by one of her family members.

“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure,” the flyer read.

During the service, a scholarship for Malcom was announced by Delano Seiveright, who serves as the Minister of State in the country’s Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, according to the Jamaica Observer.

The scholarship, titled the LaToya Malcolm Scholarship for Resilience, will provide two high school students with $100,000 to use toward their educational development.

News broke in July that Malcom, who competed to be Miss Universe in Jamaica, died.

“🕊️ In Loving Memory of LaToya Malcolm🤍,” the pageant franchise announced via Instagram at the time. “We mourn the passing of MUJ alumna LaToya Malcolm, who proudly competed in the 2024 Miss Universe Jamaica Competition.”

The tribute continued, “Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and loved ones. Rest peacefully, LaToya. You will never be forgotten. 🤍🕊️.”

The current Miss Universe Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, also honored Malcolm via social media.

“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 said. “To hear of Latoya’s passing is a great loss to her family and the wider community, 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.”

No further details surrounding her death have been publicly disclosed at the time of publication. Malcom was best known as a finalist for Miss Jamaica in 2024, where she won the title of Miss Jamaica Bikini International and dedicated the honor to her late father.

“My beloved father, Mr. Malcolm, this win was for you,” she wrote via Instagram in August 2024. “Your one and only daughter continues to make you proud. I know you’re smiling down on me from heaven 🕊️💙.”