Bethel, who was crowned Miss Alabama for America Strong 2021, passed away on Friday, eight days after sustaining brain injuries in an accident, according to a statement released by her family on her Instagram account.
The last time Bethel, a brand ambassador for conservative non-profit organization Turning Point USA, posted on Instagram was on February 1, when she shared a series of glamorous photos of herself posing in a black dress.
Weeks before she passed away, Bethel shared what has turned out to be a particularly poignant post, when she wrote about wanting to live a full life.
Sharing an image of herself posing in a pleated red dress on January 19, the conservative commentator shared a quote attributed to Joan of Arc.
“One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it,” read the caption. “But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying.”
Instagram posts that followed showed Bethel attending a wedding celebration and attending an event for right-wing activist group Project Veritas, both in Miami.
On February 16, the tone of the posts had changed from celebratory to heart-rending, as a message was shared from Bethel’s family, revealing that she had “sustained severe damage to her brain/brainstem” and was in a coma.
A statement shared days later revealed that Bethel had succumbed to her injuries on the morning of February 18 in Miami.
“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 [Right Side Broadcasting Network], a Brand Ambassador for Turning Point USA, and Liberty University’s Falkirk Center,” read the statement, in part.
The family also said that Bethel was a spokeswoman for Students for Life and affiliated with Project Veritas.
A statement posted on a GoFundMe page set up to help cover the costs associated with Bethel’s hospitalization before her passing revealed that she “did not have medical insurance” at the time of her accident.
As such, a fundraising target of $500,000 had been set. As of press time, $43,195 of that goal has been met.
Bethel’s brother, Isaac Roman, shared a touching tribute to his sibling following her death, writing on Instagram: “I sat with my sister Zoe to the very end, singing to her, holding her hand, and looking into her eyes.
“Zoe had my whole heart, she was an angel. Selfless, caring, and absolutely stunning. We are all shattered, I would switch places with her if I could without hesitation.
“We had nothing but love between us… I feel like I was too hard on her, hope she understood I only wanted the best for her. This has been the most painful experience of my entire life and I want everyone to reflect on their relationships.
“Rest in power babygirl,” Roman concluded. “I love you so so so much Zoe Sozo Bethel.”
