LaToya Malcolm, a beloved Jamaican actress and former Miss Universe Jamaica finalist, has died at the age of 35. The news was confirmed by the Miss Universe Jamaica organization on their Instagram page on Saturday, July 18, 2026. They posted a close-up image of the star and wrote: "We mourn the passing of MUJ alumna LaToya Malcolm, who proudly competed in the 2024 Miss Universe Jamaica Competition. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and loved ones. Rest peacefully, LaToya. You will never be forgotten." No cause of death has been revealed as of yet.
Career and Pageantry
Outside of pageants, Malcolm had a successful career as a Jamaican-based actress, entertainer and dance instructor, with more than a decade of experience in the industry. Earlier this year, she won the Best Breakout Actress award at the Phoenix Awards. Just a fortnight before her death, she made her final TV appearance on the morning show Smile Jamaica, where she showcased her dancing skills. "Rise and smile!" she wrote in an Instagram post with a picture of her posing with the hosts. "Early morning moves and smiles! Thank you, TVJ Smile Jamaica, for having me."
She had competed in the 2024 Miss Universe Jamaica pageant before winning the Miss Jamaica Bikini International 2024 title. She dedicated that win to her father, who had died earlier that year. "My beloved father, Mr Malcolm, this win was for you. Your one and only daughter continues to make you proud. I know you’re smiling down on me from heaven," she wrote.
Charity Work and Tributes
Malcolm was also heavily involved in charity work with the Transition Project, an initiative focused on providing training and resources to help young people navigate new opportunities. Tributes flooded in as the news became public. Commenting on Instagram, one person penned: "I met her in 2024 when I did makeup for Miss Universe East, and to hear this has shaken my world. So young and talented. May God comfort her family and friends."
Another had difficulty accepting the news, writing: "Grief is weird because the main question on my mind is what happened to Latoya? She was thriving and well. She was here, and now she's not. Just like that? Condolences don't make sense right now, because I don't believe she's gone. I still have to go watch her act in one of her shows. We still have catching up to do. What do you mean she's gone? Forever? She's not just asleep, but gone?"
A third recollected: "She was such a wonderful person. When I met and worked with her in 2024, she was a breath of fresh air. Even though she was grieving her dad’s passing at the time, she pushed through the Miss Universe competition. Rest In Sweet Peace, Latty." A fourth shared: "She was so full of light, always joyful. I’m still struggling to comprehend how this could even be possible. My condolences to her family and friends." Meanwhile, a clearly shocked fifth person cried: "I'm seeing the post and reading the comments and still can’t believe this is all true… WHAT!? omg… rip Latty."
