In what could have been a career-ending tragedy, Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry is making a remarkable recovery and preparing to leave her Bangkok hospital bed just days after suffering a serious fall during the Miss Universe preliminary competitions that landed her in intensive care.
The 28-year-old ophthalmologist and nonprofit founder has been under intensive medical supervision since the dramatic incident shocked spectators and fellow contestants at the prestigious international pageant. Her condition initially raised concerns among pageant organizers and fans worldwide who witnessed the frightening tumble.
However, spirits lifted significantly on November 24 when Miss Universe Organization President Raúl Rocha delivered encouraging news through an Instagram statement. “The latest medical report confirms that Dr. Gabrielle Henry is in good health and nearing discharge,” Rocha announced, bringing relief to the global Miss Universe community.
Henry’s accident occurred during one of the most watched segments of the competition, sending shockwaves through the Bangkok venue where the 2025 Miss Universe pageant is being held. The severity of the fall necessitated immediate medical attention, with emergency responders quickly transporting her to a local hospital where she was placed under intensive care as a precautionary measure.
The Jamaican beauty queen has built an impressive profile beyond the pageant world. As a qualified ophthalmologist, Henry has dedicated her professional life to improving vision care, while simultaneously founding and operating a nonprofit organization focused on community service and healthcare initiatives.
Her dual role as both a medical professional and beauty pageant contestant has made her a standout figure in this year’s Miss Universe competition, representing not just Jamaica’s beauty but also its commitment to education and healthcare advancement.
The incident has highlighted the physical demands and potential risks involved in high-stakes pageant competitions, where contestants perform elaborate routines, wear complex costumes, and navigate challenging stage setups. The Miss Universe organization has historically maintained strict safety protocols, making Henry’s accident all the more concerning for organizers.
Fellow contestants and pageant officials have rallied around Henry during her recovery, with many taking to social media to express support and well-wishes for the accomplished Jamaican representative. The show of solidarity has underscored the close-knit nature of the international pageant community.
As Henry prepares for discharge, questions remain about her continued participation in the remaining Miss Universe events. The organization has not yet announced whether she will be able to resume her competition activities or if alternative arrangements will be made to accommodate her recovery process.
The 2025 Miss Universe pageant continues in Bangkok, but Henry’s accident has served as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of live performance events and the importance of comprehensive medical support at international competitions.
With her medical background, Henry likely understands better than most the importance of following proper recovery protocols, even as the competitive spirit that brought her to Miss Universe may be urging her to return to the stage. Her inspiring combination of medical expertise, philanthropic dedication, and pageant participation has already made her a memorable contestant, regardless of the final competition outcome.
