The pageant and academic communities are mourning the loss of former Miss North Carolina Carrie Everett, who passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at the age of 22. Everett died in the Seattle area, surrounded by her family and friends, following a courageous battle with an aggressive and rare form of gastric cancer according to reports from ABC11.
Everett, a trailblazer both in the pageant world and within her university, was diagnosed in 2024 with signet ring cell carcinoma shortly after winning the Miss North Carolina crown. This specific type of cancer is known for being particularly aggressive, leading Everett to return to her home state of Washington to receive treatment and be near her loved ones during her illness as confirmed by CBS17.
Her passing was shared by her family on April 6 through a GoFundMe campaign established the previous September to support her medical journey. In a heartfelt statement, her family described her as a “gorgeous ruiseñor” who lived a full life and used her final words to proclaim the goodness of God, emphasizing that her legacy of advocacy and praise would continue per Univision.
A Trailblazing Legacy at North Carolina Central University
Carrie Everett was more than a beauty queen; she was a scholar and a pioneer. A sophomore music major at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham, Everett made history as the first current student of a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to be named Miss North Carolina according to a statement from the university.
Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon of NCCU expressed deep sadness over the loss, praising Everett’s tenacity and leadership. Dixon noted that Everett was remembered as a trailblazer who shared her inspirational talent with the student body, often gracing university occasions with her voice, as she had a particular passion for singing gospel music per official university communications.
Everett’s ambition extended beyond her academic and musical pursuits. She used her platform as Miss North Carolina 2024 to advocate for greater inclusivity in the pageant world. Her platform, titled “We Demand Equity to Build Communities,” focused on making pageants more accessible to young people, specifically targeting the removal of barriers created by expensive entry fees and wardrobe requirements as detailed by ABC11.
Battling Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma
The illness that claimed Everett’s life, signet ring cell carcinoma, is a rare and aggressive form of gastric cancer. This type of malignancy is often difficult to detect in its early stages and can progress rapidly, which explains the intensity of the battle Everett faced shortly after achieving one of the highest honors in North Carolina pageantry per CBS17.
Despite the severity of her diagnosis, Everett remained optimistic about her future. In September 2025, she spoke with local media, expressing her excitement about returning to Durham to continue her studies at NCCU, demonstrating a level of grace and resilience that inspired those around her according to ABC11.
Key Facts Regarding Carrie Everett’s Life and Passing
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Passing | Sunday, April 5, 2026 |
| Age | 22 years old |
| Cause of Death | Signet ring cell carcinoma (Gastric Cancer) |
| Major Achievement | First current HBCU student to be Miss North Carolina (2024) |
| Academic Institution | North Carolina Central University (NCCU) |
| Advocacy Platform | “We Need Equity to Build Communities” |
Impact on the Community
The impact of Carrie Everett’s life is felt deeply across multiple communities. At NCCU, she is remembered not only for her titles but for her commitment to her peers and her passion for music. Her ability to balance the rigors of a music major with the responsibilities of a state title—all while facing a terminal illness—has left a lasting impression on students and faculty alike per Chancellor Dixon’s statement.
her work to recruit young women who might otherwise be deterred from pageantry due to financial constraints highlighted a systemic issue within the industry. By championing equity, she sought to transform pageantry into a more inclusive space for leadership and personal growth, regardless of socioeconomic status according to ABC11.
As the family continues to navigate this tragedy, they have asked for support in continuing her legacy of defense and praise. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the power of using one’s platform to lift others, even in the face of immense personal hardship.
There are currently no further scheduled official updates regarding memorial services, though her family continues to communicate through their established support channels.
We invite our readers to share their thoughts and tributes to Carrie Everett in the comments section below.