Zoe Sozo Bethel, a conservative commentator for Right Side Broadcasting Network (RSBN) and the 2021 winner of Miss Alabama For America Strong, has died at 27 after succumbing to injuries sustained in an undisclosed accident, the E! News reports.
Bethel’s family confirmed her death in a post on Instagram. They wrote that she died on Feb. 18 but did not reveal any further details surrounding her death.
“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,” the Instagram post read.
“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.”
Bethel’s family also asked supporters to donate to their GoFundMe page to aid in medical and funeral expenses. The page has since raised more than $40,000 of its $500,000 goal.
Bethel’s death comes one week after her family revealed on Instagram that she had sustained “severe damage to her brain/brainstem & is in a coma,” adding that the doctors “are saying the damage cannot be repaired & that she may not have much time left.”
Her family did not disclose what kind of accident Bethel had been involved in. She was reportedly living in Miami at the time of her passing,
“We are praying for God’s will to be done, regardless of what that may look like,” the post read. “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 was also mourned by RSBN’s editor-in-chief Grace Saldana and other noteworthy political commentators such as Brandon Tatum.
“In loving memory of Zoe,” Saldana wrote in her post. “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 ❤️.”
“I’m shocked and saddened by the death of such a wonderful young lady,” Tatum wrote on his Instagram. “[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.”
Miss Alabama for America Strong also paid tribute to Bethel, referring to her as a “queen.”
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear friend and reigning Miss Alabama for America Strong, Zoe Bethel,” the post read. “She was a light in this world and we are heartbroken over the loss of such a bright and beautiful woman.”
