Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2026 Jennifer Barreto said she is praying for two Miss Universe delegates injured in car crashes and hopes to welcome the Dominican Republic’s representative to Puerto Rico. "I have them both in my prayers and I hope they recover soon," Barreto told Primera Hora on the morning of Sunday, November 8, during the reception of contestants at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.
She said the pageant "will also be here for them." Without giving a date, she said Melissa Núñez, Miss Universe Dominican Republic, is expected to arrive eventually to continue the international pageant experience. "I understand the Dominican Republic is going to be able to reach Puerto Rico, so I’m very excited to receive her with great warmth, with great affection."
On Saturday it emerged that Núñez and Magali Febles, director of the pageant in the neighboring country, were in a traffic accident in Santo Domingo. Núñez suffered lacerations to her right forearm and wrist; both were reported in stable condition. Barreto said she wrote to Núñez but has not received a reply.
Miss Universe Bulgaria Anna Babau, 27, will not be able to continue in the pageant because of the seriousness of her injuries; the Miss Universe Organization confirmed this on Saturday and said her recovery is the priority. Barreto urged both to take their health first and "one step at a time."