Former Miss North Carolina Carrie Everett Dies at 22 After Courageous Battle With Rare Cancer

07 April 2026

Carrie Everett, a former Miss North Carolina and rising young talent, has died at the age of 22 following a battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and inspiration. Her family confirmed that she passed away on April 5 after months of treatment, describing her journey as courageous and filled with strength despite the overwhelming challenges she faced.

Everett had been diagnosed with metastatic signet ring cell carcinoma, a rare type of gastric cancer, less than a year after being crowned Miss North Carolina in 2024. Her symptoms initially appeared in July 2025, when she began experiencing bloating and persistent coughing, which doctors first believed to be pneumonia before further testing revealed cancer markers.

As her condition worsened, she was hospitalized after coughing up blood, and a biopsy confirmed the aggressive diagnosis, forcing her to begin intensive treatment. She underwent chemotherapy and other medical interventions in an effort to fight the disease, but updates from her family later revealed that the treatments were not proving effective.

Throughout her illness, Everett remained open about her journey, using her voice to inspire others and share her experience with courage and faith. Her family created a fundraising page to support her care, and the response from the public reflected how deeply her story resonated with people who followed her battle and admired her determination.

Beyond her health struggles, Everett was known for her achievements and advocacy work, particularly her efforts to make pageantry more accessible to young women from underrepresented backgrounds. She had created an initiative aimed at reducing financial barriers in the pageant world, encouraging participation from those who might not otherwise have had the opportunity.

She was also a student at North Carolina Central University, where she studied vocal performance and was widely recognized for her talent and leadership. University officials described her as a trailblazer who combined artistic ability with a commitment to uplifting others, leaving a lasting impression on her peers and community.

Tributes poured in following her passing, with friends, supporters, and institutions honoring her life and the impact she made in such a short time. Many remembered her not only for her accomplishments but also for her kindness, ambition, and the way she used her platform to advocate for equity and opportunity.

Her death marks a heartbreaking loss, but her legacy continues through the lives she touched and the causes she championed, reflecting a life defined by purpose, strength, and compassion. Even in the face of adversity, Everett remained a symbol of hope and determination, leaving behind a story that will continue to inspire others.