Zoe Sozo Bethel, Miss Alabama 2021 for America Strong, has died from a closed head injury sustained in a fall on Feb. 10. She was 27.
Miss Bethel sustained an injury to the back of her head during a fall.
Miss Bethel was placed in a medically induced coma to decrease swelling on her brain. She was declared brain dead and taken off life support on Feb. 18.
Her family announced her untimely death in an Instagram post.
“On Friday, February 18, 2022, at approximately 5:30AM Eastern time in Miami, Florida, our beloved Zoe Sozo Bethel passed from this life into the next as a result of succumbing to her injuries. Zoe touched the hearts of many people and was actively affiliated with several organizations and groups.”
Previously, her family announced she was in a coma and they asked for prayers and privacy.
“Unfortunately the doctors are saying the damage cannot be repaired and that she may not have much time left,” they wrote, calling it “an abrupt and very traumatizing situation for our family.”
In addition to being Miss Alabama, Bethel was a conservative activist and an American patriot with deep Christian values. She was a political commentator for conservative media network RSBN, and a brand ambassador for Turning Point USA, according to NY Daily News.
She was also a spokeswoman for Students for Life and affiliated with Project Veritas, her family said.
America Strong pageant officials paid tribute to Bethel in a Facebook post.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear friend and reigning Miss Alabama for America Strong, Zoe Bethel. She was a light in this world, and we are heartbroken over the loss of such a bright and beautiful woman.”
