A WEST Somerset community was this week in shock after the sudden death of Chloe Roberts just days after she was crowned ‘Miss Royal Somerset 2025’.
Chloe, aged 21, who moved to live in Wheddon Cross, had spoken on social media shortly before her death of how ‘super excited’ she was with the accolade and was looking forward to taking part in a pageant in Florida, USA.
She wrote: “My pageant platform is mental health and the prevention of suicide.
“After losing a close friend in 2021 to suicide I dedicate my platform in her memory.
“My platform is a podcast called ‘Talk It Out’ streamed on Spotify and it focuses on raising awareness of mental health and helping to stamp out the stigma.
“I am honoured to have been given the responsibility to represent Somerset for 2025.
“I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible.”
Chloe had also appealed for anybody to contact her if they had an event they wanted her to attend.
She had been working as a nurse in Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, after completing a nursing degree in Hull University.
Chloe recognised there had been some negative reaction to her decision to platform mental health and talk about the subject during her ‘reign’ but was unrepentant.
Royal UK Pageants published a tribute to Chloe through its website: “It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our Miss Royal Somerset Chloe.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this difficult time.
“Rest in peace Queen. Forever Miss Royal Somerset.”
Tributes from friends were posted on social media, with Skai Whittaker writing: “Words cannot express the loss.
“You were amazing girl, always putting people first before yourself and I am glad I met you.
“Never forgotten, you will always be in my heart.”