Miss Alabama Zoe Bethel Passes Away at Age 27 From ‘Accidental’ Fall

Zoe Sozo Bethel, who was crowned Miss Alabama for America Strong 2021, has passed away at age 27 after reportedly accidentally falling from a seven-story condo in Miami.

This week, the Daily Mail reported that the pageant winner suffered brain injuries after she reportedly fell from the third floor of a seven-story residential building in the waterfront Edgewater neighborhood on Friday, February 11.

While a spokesman for the Miami Police Department confirmed that the incident was treated as an attempted suicide — as it is standard practice to probe all suspected suicides — authorities later said the cause of death was determined to be “accidental.”

“On Friday, February 18, 2022 at 5:24 a.m., Zoe Sozo Bethel succumbed to her injuries. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death as ‘blunt force trauma’ and the manner of death is ‘accidental.’ This was a tragic accident, and no foul play is suspected,” officials said.

Monday on Instagram, Bethel’s death was confirmed on her Instagram page.

“Zoe touched the hearts of many people and was actively affiliated with several organizations and groups namely, she was the current Miss Alabama (for America Strong), a political commentator for RSBN, a Brand Ambassador for Turning Point USA, and Liberty University’s Falkirk Center. She was also a spokeswoman for Students for Life and affiliated with Project Veritas,” the statement read.

Bethel’s family also asked for privacy during this difficult time but noted that any images, thoughts, or prayers can be emailed to zoebethel2022@gmail.com.

The statement added that burial arrangements will be provided at a later date by the family.

On Tuesday, in a statement obtained by The Daily Mail, Bethel’s family contested the idea that Zoe tried to commit suicide.

“She was growing and becoming more successful each year of her life, and she was only just beginning. And if she had a choice, she would still be here with us today,” the statement said.

Last week, Bethel’s family announced Zoe’s accident, and said she was in a coma after sustaining severe damage to her brain and brainstem.

“Unfortunately the doctors are saying the damage cannot be repaired & that she may not have much time left. We are praying for God’s will to be done, regardless of what that may look like. This has been an abrupt & very traumatizing situation for our family, & we can imagine how much of a shock this will also be to everyone who knows & cares for her. We ask that everyone please respect the privacy of our family during this time,” it read.

Around this time, organizer Santiago Roman created a GoFundMe page to raise funds for Zoe’s “high medical expenses” as “Zoe did not have medical insurance.”

As of this writing, the page has raised $45,776 out of its $500,000 goal. Per Instagram, this fundraiser will also cover Bethel’s funeral arrangements.

After news of Bethel’s death broke, Grace Saldana, editor-in-chief of RSBN, where Bethel was a political commentator, wrote a tribute on Twitter.

“In loving memory of Zoe,” Saldana wrote alongside a series of photos. “Besides the fact that she was always incredibly stunning, I'll always remember how convicted Zoe was in her faith in God, how dedicated she was to her beliefs in protecting life, and how much she cared for others. May she rest in peace ❤️.”

Per the GoFundMe, Bethel reportedly leaves behind a daughter, who will receive resources from the money raised.

Our condolences go out to Zoe’s family and loved ones for their loss.

Last month, Cheslie Kryst, a lawyer and television host who was crowned Miss USA in 2019, passed away at age 30 after authorities say she jumped from a 60-story building in New York.

In February 2020, Cheslie appeared on our show to discuss that year’s Oscars fashion.