A Miss Universe contestant was carried away on a stretcher after falling off the stage during the international beauty pageant’s preliminary evening gown round in Thailand on Wednesday night.
What happened to Miss Jamaica during the international beauty pageant?
Dr. Gabrielle Henry, an ophthalmologist who represents Jamaica in the annual beauty contest, was strutting across the stage wearing an orange evening gown and high heels when she missed a step and fell off the edge of the runway, according to People magazine and videos that have since circulated on social media.
Stage crew and others from the audience rushed to help Henry, who was removed from the scene on a stretcher.
The Miss Universe Jamaica organization and the Miss Universe owner speak out following the incident
The Miss Universe Jamaica organization issued a statement, confirming that Henry fell during the pageant and provided additional details about her medical care and well-being after the incident.
“She was rushed to the Paolo Rangsit Hospital, where medical professionals are attending to her care and have advised that she is not suffering from any life-threatening injuries; however, they continue to conduct tests to ensure her full recovery,” the organization shared in an Instagram post.
Raul Rocha, who owns the Miss Universe pageant, also took to Instagram, posting a text message in part that “there are no broken bones and she is under good care,” concluding, “Our prayers go out for her prompt recovery.”
Who is Dr. Gabriella Henry?
On Wednesday, contestants competed in swimsuit rounds, a national costume competition round, and the evening gown round before having an opportunity to advance to the finals.
According to People, before the event and her fall, Henry shared videos on her Instagram Stories showing herself traveling to the pageant by bus and footage of her getting styled for the preliminary round of the competition.
The New York Post reported that Henry founded the See Me Foundation, a charity that provides opportunities for visually impaired communities across Jamaica.
She was expected to participate in the 47th annual Miss Universe pageant on Friday. The international beauty contest has faced scandals with several of its members leading up to the event.
Miss Universe judge Omar Harfouch resigned days before the competition, claiming an “impromptu jury” favored certain contestants.
In a separate incident, executive Nawat Itsaragrisil was removed after a confrontation with Miss Mexico, which led other participants to walk out in protest, per the New York Post.