Former Miss North Carolina 2024 Dies at 22 After Cancer Battle

Carrie Everett's inspirational legacy lives on through the lives she touched

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:26am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in soft pools of warm color and light, depicting a young woman in a flowing dress standing in a field of wildflowers, her face obscured by the dreamy, atmospheric lighting.The vibrant life and inspirational legacy of a young pageant queen cut short by a devastating illness.Durham Today

Carrie Everett, who was crowned Miss North Carolina in 2024 while a student at North Carolina Central University, has passed away at the age of 22 after a battle with an aggressive form of cancer called signet ring cell carcinoma.

Why it matters

Everett's passing is a tragic loss for the North Carolina community, as she was seen as a rising star who used her platform to advocate for greater accessibility in pageants. Her story highlights the devastating impact of cancer, especially on young people, and the importance of supporting those facing such difficult health challenges.

The details

Everett was diagnosed with signet ring cell carcinoma in 2024 and returned home to Washington state to be with family. Despite her illness, she had expressed excitement about returning to Durham to continue her studies at North Carolina Central University, where she was a music major and regularly performed gospel music. Everett was the first current HBCU student to be named Miss North Carolina.

  • Everett was diagnosed with cancer in 2024.
  • Everett passed away on April 5, 2026.

The players

Carrie Everett

The former Miss North Carolina 2024 and a student at North Carolina Central University who passed away at the age of 22 after a battle with an aggressive form of cancer.

Karrie G. Dixon

The chancellor of North Carolina Central University, who released a statement announcing Everett's passing and celebrating her as a 'trailblazer' who shared her inspirational talent and leadership.

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What they’re saying

“It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of Ms. Carrie Everett, most recently a sophomore music major, on Sunday, April 5, 2026, after a valiant battle with cancer. Carrie will be remembered as a trailblazer who shared her inspirational talent and leadership with so many.”

— Karrie G. Dixon, Chancellor, North Carolina Central University

The takeaway

Everett's story is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact of cancer, especially on young people. Her inspirational legacy and advocacy for greater accessibility in pageants will continue to inspire others, even in the face of such immense loss.