Several former pageant queens have tragically died after winning their crowns.
Kseniya Alexandrova won Miss Universe Russia in 2017, eight years before she died following a fatal car accident at the age of 30.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce that our colleague and friend, model Ksenia Alexandrova, passed away last night,” her modeling agency, Modus Vivendis, wrote in an August 2025 statement. “Ksenia was bright, talented and extraordinarily bright. She knew how to inspire, support and give warmth to everyone around her. For us, she will forever remain a symbol of beauty, kindness and inner strength.”
The statement added, “We sincerely mourn and express our deepest condolences to her family, friends and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Ksenia. A bright memory,”
Alexandrova is survived by her husband, Ilya, whom she married four months before her passing.
Keep scrolling to read more pageant stars’ tragedies:
JonBenet Ramsey
After competing in child pageants, JonBenét Ramsey died in 1996 at the age of 6. Ramsey had been found in her family’s basement hours after being reported missing. Her cause of death was later confirmed as asphyxia by strangulation associated with craniocerebral trauma and ruled a homicide.
Her family long denied any involvement in JonBenét’s death and was formally exonerated by Colorado police in 2008. No suspect has since been named or charged in her death.
Zoe Sozo Bethel
Zoe Sozo Bethel, Miss Alabama 2021, died the next year after suffering a fatal fall from a third-floor window in February 2022. Bethel was 27.
“Our beloved Zoe Sozo Bethel passed from this life into the next as a result of succumbing to her injuries,” a Facebook statement read. “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 note concluded, “At this time of bereavement, effectual and fervent prayers are solicited for the family members, and the family asks that their privacy wishes be honored and respected.”
Kseniya Alexandrova
Kseniya Alexandrova was the first runner-up at the Miss Russia 2017 pageant and has since been mourned by the pageant community.
“The Miss Universe Organization extends its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and everyone whose life was touched by the light of Miss Universe Russia 2017, Kseniya Alexandrova,” an Instagram statement in August 2025 read. “Her grace, beauty, and spirit left an unforgettable mark on the Miss Universe family and beyond. May her memory continue to inspire kindness, strength, and love in all those who were fortunate enough to know her.”
Monica Spear
Miss Venezuela 2004, Mónica Spear, was shot and killed during a January 2014 highway robbery in Venezuela while on vacation with ex-husband Thomas Henry Berry and their daughter, Maya. Spear was 29.
“To think there are people who can shoot a mother and father in front of their daughter is very sad and unbelievable,” friend Diego Sanchez told NBC. “And it’s shocking when it happens to someone you know.”
Berry and Maya both survived the accident.
Viveka Babajee
Viveka Babajee was named Miss Mauritius World in 1993, and she died by suicide in July 2010 at the age of 37.
Nafisa Joseph
Miss Universe 1997 finalist Nafisa Joseph was found dead by suicide in 2004. She was 26.
“All of us will find it difficult to accept that she is no more,” her MTV India colleague Alex Kuruvilla told Telegraph India. “She was well-loved at MTV, and it is especially tragic when one so bright, talented and capable is unable to realize her dreams. We will always remember Nafisa as a warm, friendly and cheerful person.”
Mofya Chisenga
Mofya Chisenga, who previously won Miss Universe Zambia, died in October 2011 from childbirth complications.
“Mofya was only 28 at the time of her death but had achieved so much success and was at the peak of her career,” local news outlet Nkani reported at the time. “The story of Mofya’s death is a very sad story as she died in the process of giving birth to her daughter in Lusaka.”
Mariana Bridi da Costa
Mariana Bridi da Costa, the Brazilian pageant queen and model who competed in qualifiers for Miss World 2008, died in January 2009 after undergoing an amputation of her hands and feet following a bacterial infection. Da Costa was 20.
“On behalf of all the family, we are grateful for the support and the affection that the entire world has sent to us,” her friend Renato Lindgren told CNN.
Maria Susana Flores Gamez
María Susana Flores Gámez was crowned the winner of the Woman of Sinaloa pageant less than one year before she was killed in November 2012 at the age of 20.
According to CNN, Games was shot in a military battle between Mexican troops and local criminals.
“We are dismayed by the news — a beautiful young person, happy, and with a big future ahead of her, ” the pageant organizers told the outlet in a statement. “Rest in peace, Susy.”
Csilla Molnar
Csilla Molnár won Miss Hungary in 1985. She died by suicide the next year at the age of 17.
Shortly before her passing, Molnár claimed she was harassed by fans.
“I don’t know whether I can bear this,” she said in a local Budapest interview, per the Los Angeles Times. “Everybody is harassing me. They ask, ‘Where and from whom did you get those beautiful clothes? Who helped you? Do you or your father have special connections with the jury?’ And so on.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
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