Miss Teen U.S.A. Pageant Queen Dies at 18 in Tragic Accident
Kadance Fredericksen, who was named the Miss Okaloosa County Teen representative for 2024's Miss Florida Teen U.S.A. Pageant, tragically died on Monday when her car crashed into a tractor-trailer truck around 1:30 p.m. local time. The other driver was a 56-year-old male who sustained only minor injuries in the crash. Details of the collision are not clear at this time.
Authorities have not officially announced Fredericksen as the victim as an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident are still ongoing. However, the Miss Florida U.S.A. Instagram account posted a lengthy statement memorializing their late delegate, and Fredericksen's family also confirmed the news to local media outlets."Our pageant community has lost a beautiful soul - one who was a true light in this world. She was ambitious, driven, kind, and a leader among her pageant sisters," the statement began. "Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and all who are mourning this devastating loss. May we honor her memory by carrying forward the light she so effortlessly shared with the world and our Florida pageant community," it concluded.
Fredericksen's mother, Lisa, told WEAR that her daughter was 'the light' of her and her husband's life. Michelle Watts, Fredericksen's pageant coach, told WKRG: 'Even though she passed away at 18 years old, her life story and her life start song still sings…She is going to have such a legacy behind her.
Fredericksen's alma mater, The Baker School, memorialized the 'exceptional young woman' in a statement posted to Facebook on Tuesday. "Kadance was a beacon of light in our community, known for her compassion, tireless advocacy for children in need, and unwavering dedication to making a difference," the statement read, calling this a "heartbreaking time" for the school, Fredericksen's family, and all those whom she touched.
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