Tyra Spaulding, a finalist in the 2023 Miss Universe Jamaica pageant, has passed away in what is being treated as a suspected suicide. She was 26 years old. Her death has sent shockwaves through the pageant community and renewed urgent conversations about how invisible mental health battles can become fatal.
Spaulding was known for her poise and talent and her willingness to speak about her internal struggles. In prior moments of openness, she had shared the emotional burden she bore—seeking to give voice to what many silently endure.
“You don’t have to control your thoughts; you just have to stop letting them control you.”
This simple, heartbreaking truth captures how many live daily with anxiety, doubts, and pain they feel powerless to escape.
The Numbers Behind the Silence
Tyra’s story is not isolated. Around the world, mental health crises take lives that could otherwise have been saved. Here are some of the stark numbers:
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Globally, more than 720,000 people die by suicide each year, making suicide a leading cause of death among youth (World Health Organization).
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Suicide is the third leading cause of death among people aged 15–29 (WHO).
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About 73% of suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries (WHO).
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In Jamaica, 2024 saw 67 suicide deaths, the highest in nearly 25 years (CNW Network).
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Of those 67, 61 were men, underscoring how men often carry silent burdens, hidden by stigma or expectation (CNW Network).
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Over the years, Jamaica has averaged roughly two suicides per 100,000 people annually (Jamaica Information Service).
These figures are not just numbers—they represent lives, families shattered, voices silenced.
A Call to Acknowledge, Support, and Prevent
Spaulding’s tragic passing is a painful reminder that public success doesn’t immunize anyone from internal pain. Her decision to speak about her mental health was courageous—and it invites us all to reflect on how we treat emotional suffering in ourselves and others.
Let her be a catalyst:
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Break the silence. Just one person saying, “I’m not okay” can be the beginning of a life saved.
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Listen without judgment. Sometimes what someone needs is simply to be heard.
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Know the warning signs. Sudden withdrawal, mood changes, talk of hopelessness, and giving away belongings can all be red flags.
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Reach out for help. If you or someone you care about is struggling, please contact a menta
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health professional or crisis line in your country.
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Call to Action
Tyra Spaulding’s passing is a call to take mental health seriously. If her story moves you, let it also move you to act. Share this article, start the conversation, and remind someone today that they are not alone.