Months after she was crowned on the international pageant stage, Bosch shocked onlookers at the Fruit and Flower Festival in Ecuador
Jam Press
NEED TO KNOW
- Fátima Bosch, the winner of Miss Universe 2025, worried crowds when she suddenly collapsed at the Fruit and Flower Festival in Ambato, Ecuador, on Sunday, Feb. 15
- Days after the incident, the international pageant queen issued a statement to PEOPLE clarifying the reason why she fell to her knees during the parade
- Bosch represented Mexico at Miss Universe last year, and she was crowned on stage in Thailand on Nov. 21, 2025
Miss Universe Fátima Bosch is speaking out to explain what caused her to collapse during the Fruit and Flower Festival in Ambato, Ecuador, this weekend.
The pageant winner attended the local celebration on Sunday, Feb. 15, where she passed through the parade on a florally inspired float. While standing and waving to the crowd from her platform, Bosch appeared to try to hold a railing behind her before dropping down to her knees in her mint-colored gown.
Videos of the incident — which have since been reshared on social media — include audio demonstrating the shocked reactions of onlookers. A woman could be seen climbing up to assist Bosch, who remained conscious throughout the incident.
LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty
In a statement issued to PEOPLE days later, the 2025 international titleholder expresses her gratitude for the widespread response to her unexpected fall.
"I deeply appreciate the expressions of concern and affection I have received in Ecuador and through my social media platforms," Bosch says. "The fainting episode I experienced was momentary and the result of exhaustion. I am doing well and will continue with my scheduled activities with responsibility."
Her statement concludes, "Thank you always for your unconditional support and love."
The Miss Universe Organization's Head of Communications, Miguel Ángel Martínez, also issued a statement regarding the incident on Monday, Feb. 16. The global pageant representative confirmed that Bosch "experienced a brief episode of lightheadedness after several hours of outdoor participation" during the festival parade.
"As a precaution, she was immediately assisted by her team and local medical personnel on site," the statement continued. "She remained conscious, was evaluated promptly, and recovered quickly. Out of an abundance of care, her schedule was adjusted to allow for appropriate rest and hydration. She is feeling well and expressed her sincere appreciation for the warmth and hospitality she received in Ecuador."
Martínez maintained that the "health and security" of Miss Universe delegates remains the organization's highest priority.
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"Fátima is currently on her official international Miss Universe World Tour, which includes cultural, humanitarian, and community engagements across multiple countries," he added. "At every stop, we work in close coordination with local organizers and medical teams to ensure the safety and well-being of our titleholders."
Bosch represented Mexico at Miss Universe last fall, and after three weeks of events and appearances, she was crowned winner on stage in Bangkok on Nov. 21.
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