The entertainment world mourns a bright light gone too soon. Tyra Spaulding, a former Miss Universe Jamaica contestant, passed away at just 26 years old. She had recently spoken openly about her struggles with mental health.
Her family found Spaulding’s body in her apartment on Tuesday, September 23. Authorities are looking into her death as a possible suicide, according to a report from Caribbean National Weekly. This news has deeply saddened many.
Miss Universe Jamaica confirmed Spaulding’s passing the next day, on Wednesday, September 24. They shared a heartfelt message on their Instagram page. The post included a beautiful photo of the model. It also featured a video clip of Spaulding. In the video, she gracefully walked a runway in a sparkling yellow gown. A wide smile lit up her face as the audience cheered off-camera.
"Our hearts are filled with sorrow as we mourn the loss of the beautiful Tyra Spaulding," the organization’s statement began. "She was a radiant soul and an incredible person. Her light, grace, beauty, and kind spirit touched every life she found. She leaves behind memories that will never fade." The message continued, remembering her impact. "She had a smile that lit up every room, bringing warmth and joy to all who had the privilege to know her. We at the Miss Universe Jamaica organization hold Tyra’s family, friends, and loved ones in our sincere prayers. We celebrate the beautiful life she shared with us."
Fans quickly filled the comments with support. They sent their condolences to the organization and Spaulding’s grieving family. One user wrote, "My condolences to her loved ones and the MUJ franchise. My heart broke to hear the news. It truly saddens me to see the emotions she was going through." Another fan added, "My deepest condolences to her family and friends. I am sorry for your loss. I pray for her family. May her soul rest in peace."
In the weeks before her death, Spaulding was open about her inner battle. She shared her deep struggle with suicidal thoughts. "I am fighting for my life here," she said in a YouTube video uploaded on September 4. "I feel like I need to get out and do something. My mind is trying to kill me. And if I don’t do anything, I am going to die, guys." She bravely described the constant dark thoughts. "Every day I wake up and my mind tells me to go and throw myself off a building. It tells me to overdose on pills. It tells me to hang myself."
Spaulding admitted she had no idea why these thoughts came to her. "I have no idea. They are my own thoughts, but do I want to have them? No," she continued in the video. "Do I want to die? I mean, it would be easier than dealing with life’s ups and downs, but… I don’t know." Her honesty was stark. "All I know is that right now I am fighting for my life. Now I am just trying to do anything that distracts me. Anything that gives me temporary motivation, I don’t know."
Later in the video, Spaulding wondered about others. She asked, "how many other people go through things like this?" The confusion was clear in her voice. "And I can’t pinpoint… why do I suddenly think these things?" she pondered. "It’s like there are two versions of me. One wants me to live and one wants me to die. … It’s me against myself here." Her words offer a powerful glimpse into the silent battles many face.
If you or someone you know is in emotional crisis or thinking about suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).