Reigning Miss Alabama, Zoe Sozo Bethel, has died from her injuries eight days after she was involved in a car crash. She was 27.
Family members of Bethel, who was crowned Miss Alabama for America Strong 2021, announced the news on her Instagram account Sunday, writing: “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.”
They added that Bethel “touched the hearts of many people” and was involved in several organizations.
“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,” her family shared as they asked for “effectual and fervent prayers” and privacy.
Showing appreciation for the messages they have received, Bethel’s family invited supporters to donate to their GoFundMe page to help cover medical and funeral expenses. The campaign has currently raised more than $40,000 of its $500,000 goal.
Last week, Bethel’s family shared on her Instagram page that she was involved in an accident and “sustained severe damage to her brain/brainstem & is in a coma.” They did not specify what kind of accident.
“Unfortunately the doctors are saying the damage cannot be repaired & that she may not have much time left,” Bethel’s family said at the time, adding, “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,” Bethel’s family continued.
Amid news of Bethel’s death, Grace Saldana, editor-in-chief of RSBN, where Bethel was a political commentator, paid 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 ❤️.”
“Our hearts are breaking over the news of Zoe Bethel’s unexpected passing,” Students for Life of America also tweeted Monday. “From choosing life during her own unexpected pregnancy to sharing her story & encouraging thousands of pro-life student leaders, she has always been a shining light and fierce advocate for life.”
