Kataluna Enriquez, who made history as the first openly transgender woman to compete in the Miss USA pageant, was involved in a serious car accident that left her hospitalized for two weeks.
The Filipino-American beauty queen opened up on Instagram about her “near-death experience” and how it changed how she views life.
“For the two weeks I was in the hospital, I’ve had many nights where I cried thinking I could no longer be the same person,” she wrote.
“But truthfully, surviving a near-death experience has also allowed me to embrace that I am no longer the same person. I am now one with a deeper relationship with myself and a different understanding of gratitude,” she continued.
Enriquez was not only the first transgender woman to compete in a Miss USA pageant, but in 2021, she became the first trans woman to be crowned Miss Nevada USA and Miss Silver State USA.
The model is on a slow road to recovery and said she was excited to get back to her artistic pursuits. The 32-year-old star is the owner of Katarina Kouture, a fashion brand that specializes in gowns and costumes, and she recently created Jasmine Kennedie’s entrance look for Drag Race All Stars season 11.
“As I recover and take a break, I’m excited to see growth and discover new ways for me to express my art,” she wrote.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by friends and family to help cover her “medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost income, and other recovery-related costs.” At the time of publication, the page had already raised over $12,000 toward the $28,000 goal.
"Kataluna has always been someone who uplifts others with her strength, kindness, and unwavering spirit. Now, she needs our love and support more than ever,” the page reads.
Fellow beauty queen Tianna Tuamoheloa also took to Instagram to thank everyone who has wished Enriquez well and contributed to the fund.
“As her friend, thank you guys for that support because it really does mean a lot when good positive energy is being sent her way,” Tuamoheloa said in her Instagram Stories. “So far she is very strong, she’s recovering like a champ. Yes, she’s going to have a very long journey ahead of her, but this girl, nothing keeps her down.”
