Former Miss Universe New Zealand finalist Amber-Lee Friis passed away earlier this week at age 23. This was reported by his talent agency.
"It is with immense sadness that we acknowledge the sudden death of the beautiful and talented Amber-lee Friis," The Talent Tree agency shared in a heartfelt and brief statement on Facebook.
"Amber-Lee was one of our original models for The Talent Tree and a finalist in Miss Universe New Zealand in 2018," added the company.
Representing a tight-knit community of talent, the agency offered its sincere condolences to the model's family and friends.
Shortly after the news was revealed, many of the people who work in the famous beauty pageant made public their sadness at the young woman's death.
"Our most sincere condolences to the friends and family of Amber-lee Friis, of whom we have just learned, suffered this loss," shared the Facebook account of Miss Universe New Zealand. "Continue to shine, Amber-lee, as we remind you." he added.
Miss Universe New Zealand CEO Nigel Godfrey also shared fond memories of the talented finalist.
"It was a force to be reckoned with," Nigel recalled. "She was a fighter, she definitely had no prisoners, but she was a beautiful soul and you knew 100% what you received from her. She was genuine, honest and had an energy that few possessed, her heart was definitely in the right place," she shared. .
"We liked and respected her and were very proud to call her friend long after the competition was over," he added.
"Amber-Lee changed her life and, indeed, her experience with us, and she was an incredibly positive force for good. In the years that have passed she has always remained loyal and supportive and we value that above all else," said the businessman.
"Yesterday she tragically passed away, the world is a minor place without her in it," Godfrey continued. "She had so much more to give and it is a terrible tragedy that she is not here to realize her limitless potential. Amber-Lee you have left us very, very soon, "were the heartfelt words of the CEO.
Although the details surrounding his death remain unknown at the moment, the Daily Mail portal reported that it could be an alleged suicide.
Amber-Lee participated in the Miss Universe New Zealand competition in 2018 and managed to be among the 20 finalists. Although she found success in beauty pageants, the model opened up about the intimidation she experienced during her childhood.
"I remember sitting in my room one night and thinking about how difficult life could be," she once shared. "At an early age you feel like the world is weighing on your shoulders," he declared in 2018.
Amber-Lee continued, "I was like a lost sheep before I started to have goals and started to focus on what I wanted to do. I felt trapped and helpless. No one has to feel that way."
If you or someone you know is considering committing suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text the word "home" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Lifeline offers free service in Spanish 24/7.
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