An outpouring of love and prayers continues for Miss Universe Jamaica, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, after the Miss Universe Organization disclosed the full extent of her injuries in an Instagram statement on Monday. Dr. Henry fell through an opening in the stage during the preliminary competition in Thailand last month, an incident that forced her withdrawal from the pageant.
According to the joint release from the organization and the family, Dr. Henry “suffered a serious fall through an opening on the stage while performing her walk during the preliminary competition on November 19.” The statement also rejected reports suggesting she played any role in causing the accident, describing them as “entirely inaccurate” and reaffirming that “Dr. Henry holds no responsibility for the incident.”
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Dr. Phylicia Henry, Gabrielle’s sister, said the injuries were “quite serious,” explaining that the fall into a five-foot deep hole resulted in bleeding and swelling on the brain. She added that complications during treatment included a collapsed lung. “We do not know how well she will recover, so that is why the prayers are still needed. It is something that has to be monitored long term,” she said. Phylicia had traveled to Thailand with their mother, Maureen.
Fans responded online with prayer emojis and wishes for healing after learning from the organizers that Dr. Henry sustained an intracranial hemorrhage, loss of consciousness, a fracture, facial lacerations, and other significant injuries. The 27-year-old ophthalmology resident at the University Hospital of the West Indies now faces an uncertain recovery.
Karl Williams and Mark McDermoth, franchise directors of Miss Universe Jamaica, said they are “relieved and heartened” by Henry’s progress and “look forward to welcoming her home soon.” She is expected to return to Jamaica in the coming days, accompanied by a full medical escort. Her flight will function as an in-air medical facility equipped with oxygen and all necessary medications for the journey.
The Miss Universe Organization emphasized that it has supported Henry and her family from the moment the incident occurred. The organization has covered all hospital, medical, and rehabilitation costs in Thailand, along with accommodation and living expenses for her mother and sister. It is also funding the medically escorted repatriation flight and has committed to fully covering all future medical expenses related to the accident.
The Henry family expressed “deep gratitude” for what they described as unwavering compassion and care, noting that the Miss Universe Organization’s response has gone “beyond professional responsibility” and has demonstrated genuine devotion and protection.
This year’s Miss Universe pageant has drawn widespread global attention due to a series of controversies. International media outlets have highlighted the turmoil with headlines such as “What in the world is going on with Miss Universe?” from Business Insider; “Falls, feuds and fury” from The Guardian; and similar coverage from CNN and CBC. Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, ultimately won the Miss Universe 2025 crown, with Thailand’s Praveenar Singh as the runner-up. Rounding out the top five were Venezuela’s Stephany Abasali, Ahtisa Manalo of the Philippines, and Olivia Yacé of the Ivory Coast.
