After taking a tumble off the Miss Universe pageant stage on Wednesday, Miss Jamaica Dr Gabrielle Henry suffered multiple injuries, including a head trauma. The hospitalised beauty queen was forced to withdraw from the 74th Miss Universe pageant after being thoroughly assessed and diagnosed in Thailand.
Henry’s other injuries include a laceration to her chin and foot, according to a statement her family released on Friday. She was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for her head injury.
Henry’s fall occurred during one of the most glamorous moments of the pageant, the evening gown preliminary segment. It became a frightening scene as medical staff rushed to her aid and carried her away on a stretcher, which went viral.
Her family confirmed that the injuries were serious enough to require immediate hospitalisation. They explained that doctors in Thailand advised that she step back from the competition, a decision that was difficult but necessary.
Still, her family highlighted that Henry’s strength and mindset have remained intact despite the ordeal. They described her as resilient and unwavering in her desire to represent Jamaica, even if she had no choice but to withdraw.
Their statement expressed deep gratitude to supporters worldwide, especially Jamaicans both at home and abroad, who have been sending prayers and messages of comfort since the accident.
A family friend, Olive McNaughton, who is currently in Thailand, sought to clarify how the fall occurred. She noted that Henry’s walk was executed with her usual poise and accuracy. According to McNaughton, Miss Universe organisers indicated that Henry fell into an opening meant for stage lighting, a gap reportedly about 1.2 meters deep. That detail brought some relief to supporters who were initially puzzled by how such a trained and confident contestant could have slipped.
While hospitalised, Henry’s mother, Maureen Henry, and her sister, Dr Phylicia Henry-Samuels, are both by her side in Thailand. The family remains hopeful that she will make a full recovery and has asked the public to continue keeping her in their thoughts.