Beauty queen Zoe Sozo Bethel dies from injuries sustained in accident

A young beauty queen, brand ambassador and social-political commentator has died eight days after suffering severe head and neck injuries in an accident, her heartbroken family announced.

Zoe Sozo Bethel, Miss Alabama for America Strong 2021, was 27.

“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,” her family wrote on her Instagram account. “Zoe touched the hearts of many people and was actively affiliated with several organizations and groups.”

Besides her pageant title, Bethel was a political commentator for conservative media network RSBN, as well as a brand ambassador for Turning Point USA, and Liberty University’s Falkirk Center, a nonprofit organization aiming to infuse American politics and culture with “Christian principles.” She was also a spokeswoman for Students for Life and affiliated with Project Veritas, her family said.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear friend and reigning Miss Alabama for America Strong, Zoe Bethel,” the pageant said in a statement on its Facebook page, changing its cover photo to one of her. “She was a light in this world, and we are heartbroken over the loss of such a bright and beautiful woman.”

Four days earlier, Bethel’s family had posted that she had been in an accident on Feb. 10 and was in a coma.

“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” and requesting privacy and prayers.

They are now asking for help with funeral and medical expenses, since Bethel did not have health insurance.

The organizations Bethel was involved in paid tribute.

“We are honored to have known Zoe Bethel,” tweeted Turning Point USA above a video montage of her accomplishment. “She has been a pillar in the Conservative movement, always moving with grace and wisdom. She has inspired many, and her legacy will continue to touch the hearts of people everywhere.”

Conservative political commentator Brandon Tatum mourned Bethel’s death and expressed regret that she had not gotten the chance to fulfill her life’s dreams.

“I’m shocked and saddened by the death of such a wonderful young lady,” Tatum wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of the two of them together. “[Bethel] was such a bright spot in every room she entered. She was beautiful inside and out. I always felt she had so much potential, and I always wanted her to reach that. I regret not doing more to reach out. I wanted to help her flourish but felt in due time the opportunity would come around. It never came.”