Miss Jamaica Universe withdraws from pageant after suffering head injury in fall
Jamaica’a representative in the 74th Miss Universe pageant, Dr Gabrielle Henry, has withdrawn from the competition after suffering head trauma and other injuries in a fall from the stage during the evening gown preliminary competition in Thailand on Wednesday.
Her family made the revelation in a media release Friday.
According to the release, the fall resulted in head trauma, requiring her admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at a hospital in Thailand. Jamaica’s representative also sustained a laceration to her chin and foot, the release stated.
“Despite these injuries, Dr Henry’s resilience, indomitable spirit, and unwavering commitment to representing Jamaica remain strong. However, based on medical instructions, Dr Henry had to withdraw from the competition,” the family announced.
Henry made global headlines after videos surfaced showing the beauty queen taking a tumble and then being carried off stage on a stretcher by medical personnel.
Henry’s family said they wish to express “heartfelt gratitude to supporters around the world, especially Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora, for their prayers and well-wishes” since the unfortunate incident.
Olive McNaughton, a family friend who is on location in Thailand, confirmed that there was no error in the regal and confident execution of Henry’s walk. She explained that Henry fell into an opening for the lights on the stage, approximately 1.2 metres deep, as indicated by the Miss Universe organisers.
Dr Henry is being supported in Thailand by her mother Maureen Henry, and sister, Dr Phylicia Henry-Samuels.
The family is optimistic about her full and speedy recovery, and has asked for continued prayers as she remains in hospital.