Weeks after a Miss Universe pageant contestant was hospitalised after falling off stage, details have emerged about the serious extent of her injuries.
Miss Jamaica sustained an intracranial hemorrhage with loss of consciousness, a fracture, facial lacerations and other serious injuries, pageant officials revealed Monday (Dec 8).
The beauty queen, 28-year-old Dr Gabrielle Henry, fell during a preliminary evening gown competition on Nov 19 in Bangkok, Thailand. She was hospitalised in the intensive care unit for several days after the incident.
According to a statement issued by the Miss Universe Organization, Miss Jamaica remains in critical condition under 24-hour supervision. With her recovery reportedly going well, she is expected to return to her home country of Jamaica, accompanied by a full medical escort team “in the coming days.”
Henry “will be transferred directly to [the] hospital for continued treatment and recovery,” the organisation and Henry’s family said in a joint press release.
The Miss Universe Organization also announced that it has covered all hospital, medical and rehabilitation expenses in Thailand, as well as the accommodation and living costs for her family members. In addition to funding Henry’s medically escorted travel, the pageant has promised to cover all future medical expenses related to the incident.
“The Henry family is deeply grateful to the Miss Universe Organization for their unwavering compassion, presence, and love shown,” the release said. “Their response so far has gone beyond professional responsibility and reflected devotion and protection of the family.”
The Kingston-born ophthalmologist was walking in high heels and a long, flowing orange dress when she continued off the platform, apparently unaware of where it ended, according to clips shared on social media. Other online videos showed crewmembers helping to carry Henry from the stage floor on a stretcher.
It was unclear what caused her tumble, but the Miss Universe Organization maintained that Henry was not to blame.
“Certain media reports suggesting that Dr Henry contributed in any way to the incident are entirely inaccurate. The Miss Universe Organization has never attributed blame to Dr Henry and confirms that those suggestions are unfounded and do not reflect the facts,” the statement said.
At the time, the Miss Universe Jamaica Organization said Henry had been rushed to Paolo Rangsit Hospital and was “not suffering from any life-threatening injuries; however, they continue to conduct tests to ensure her full recovery.” – New York Daily News/Tribune News Service
