Vietnamese-German beauty pageant contestant shocked by sudden death of boyfriend

Vietnamese-German beauty pageant contestant Iris Thanh Thomas. Photo from Thomas' Facebook

Thomas was informed of the tragic news that her Norwegian boyfriend, Andreas, had died on Dec. 26, 2023 while preparing for the Miss Cosmo Vietnam 2023 semifinals in the Central Highlands city of Da Lat.

"I was shocked and couldn’t believe it could happen," she said. "We were close from the moment we first met and I saw him as a soulmate. I had never thought this would be how our journey together ends."

Thomas and her friends initially suspected an accident, especially since Andreas had disappeared with his motorbike. However, it was later revealed by authorities that Andreas had suffered a fatal stroke.

Amidst this tragedy, Thomas was unable to attend her boyfriend’s funeral in Ho Chi Minh City due to her participation in the pageant. She chose to continue in the contest, driven by the memory of Andreas, who had been a motivating force behind her decision to compete.

Andreas, who was working in Vietnam before his death, shared a three-year relationship with Thomas. She fondly remembered him as a "bookworm," the most rational individual she knew, and a source of positive energy and mental support for those around him. He was understanding, logical, and a good listener as well, according to her.

"He was the motivation for me to pursue what I wanted and to improve every day," Thomas said. "Seeing how he suddenly departed before fulfilling all his dreams makes me feel bad for him. I hope he rests in peace."

Thomas is now waiting for Andreas’ family to come to Vietnam from Norway to receive his body.

Thomas, 25, was born in Germany to a German father and a Vietnamese mother.

She currently pursues her career as an illustrator in Ho Chi Minh City.