Miss Universe Jamaica Withdraws from International Competition After Suffering Head Trauma and Other Injuries

Jamaica’s Miss Universe hopeful, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, has officially withdrawn from the 74th Miss Universe pageant after suffering head trauma and other injuries in a terrifying fall during the evening gown preliminaries in Thailand. The incident, which unfolded mid-performance on Wednesday, sent shockwaves across the global pageant community and left fans anxiously awaiting updates. Her family confirmed the withdrawal in a statement released Friday, noting she remains hospitalised.

According to the family, Dr. Henry was admitted to the ICU after sustaining head trauma, along with lacerations to her chin and foot. She reportedly fell into a 1.2-metre-deep stage opening used for overhead lighting — a detail Miss Universe organisers later confirmed. Videos of the accident quickly went viral, showing the Jamaican beauty being carried off on a stretcher by emergency personnel, sparking widespread concern about her condition and stage safety protocols.

Despite the severity of the fall, her relatives say her “resilience, indomitable spirit, and unwavering commitment to representing Jamaica remain strong.” Olive McNaughton, a close family friend on location in Thailand, emphasised that Dr. Henry’s performance had been flawless up to that point, dismissing any suggestion of missteps. “There was no error in her walk. She fell through an opening that was not visible from the stage,” McNaughton clarified.

Dr. Henry, who travelled to Thailand earlier this month after providing humanitarian support to communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa, had been seen as a symbol of Jamaican strength and perseverance. Prior to her departure on November 4, she pledged to uplift storm-affected Jamaicans on the international stage, saying, “I’m not leaving Jamaica behind — I’m carrying her with me.” Her dedication deepened public affection, making the accident even more heartbreaking for supporters at home and abroad.

For now, Dr. Henry remains under close medical supervision in Thailand, surrounded by her mother and sister, while fans worldwide continue sending prayers and messages of hope. The family remains optimistic about her full recovery and is urging continued support as they navigate the coming days. While her Miss Universe journey has taken an unexpected turn, her impact — both as a doctor and as Jamaica’s representative — has already left a lasting mark.