Former Miss North Carolina 2024 Carrie Everett passes away

The 22-year-old trailblazer inspired many with her talent and grace during her brave cancer battle.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:18pm

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Carrie Everett, the former Miss North Carolina 2024 who was the first to attend an HBCU, has passed away at the age of 22 after a courageous battle with a rare and aggressive gastric cancer. Everett, known for her vibrant spirit and dedication to her dreams, was diagnosed with metastatic signet ring cell carcinoma in July 2025 while visiting family in Seattle.

Why it matters

Everett's story touched many as she bravely shared her journey and used her platform to inspire young women, especially those attending HBCUs. Her passing is a profound loss for the North Carolina community and the broader pageant world.

The details

Everett was a vocal performance major at N.C. Central University and had plans to graduate in 2027. After being crowned Miss North Carolina in 2024, she became known for her talent and grace. Everett underwent chemotherapy and other treatments in Seattle while battling the rare and aggressive cancer.

  • Everett was crowned Miss North Carolina in June 2024 during her sophomore year at N.C. Central University.
  • She was diagnosed with metastatic signet ring cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive gastric cancer, in July 2025 while visiting family in Seattle.
  • Everett passed away on Monday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Carrie Everett

The former Miss North Carolina 2024 who was the first to attend an HBCU, N.C. Central University, and who passed away at the age of 22 after a brave battle with a rare and aggressive gastric cancer.

N.C. Central University

The historically Black college that Carrie Everett attended, where she was a vocal performance major with plans to graduate in 2027.

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What they’re saying

“'I can be the first but not the last. I want young women from all over the state and throughout the country attending HBCUs that this opportunity is for them.'”

— Carrie Everett, Former Miss North Carolina 2024

The takeaway

Carrie Everett's inspiring story and brave battle with cancer will continue to resonate, serving as a testament to the power of determination, talent, and using one's platform to uplift others. Her legacy will live on through the young women she inspired to pursue their dreams, especially at HBCUs.