Former Miss North Carolina 2024, Carrie Everett, passed away on Monday morning after a battle with cancer, as confirmed by her family. She was 22 years old.

Everett died in the Seattle area, with her loved ones by her side, her family reported. In 2024, she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer known as signet ring cell carcinoma. Following her diagnosis, she returned to her home state of Washington to be with her family.

Everett had been a student at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham, where she pursued a degree in music.

Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon of NCCU addressed the student body with a heartfelt statement regarding Everett’s passing. “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,” Chancellor Dixon expressed. “Carrie will be remembered as a trailblazer who shared her inspirational talent and leadership with so many.”

Chancellor Dixon highlighted Everett’s significant achievements, noting that as a sophomore in 2024, she became the first current student from a historically Black college or university (HBCU) to be crowned Miss North Carolina. Her platform, “We Need Equity to Build Communities,” aimed to make pageants more accessible to youth. Everett’s efforts to recruit young women who might otherwise be deterred by the high costs of entry fees and wardrobes were particularly commendable.

Everett chose NCCU for its music program, having a passion for gospel music, and frequently shared her talent at university events. Her ambition, grace, determination, and musical gifts will be sorely missed.

Everett spoke to ABC affiliate WTVD in September when she mentioned she was excited about returning to Durham to continue school, despite her illness.

In a Monday Instagram post on Everett’s social media, the caption reads, “We are heartbroken to share that last night, the beautiful nightingale, Helen Carrie Everett, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. The cries of her heart became songs that stirred the spirits of everyone who had the pleasure of hearing her sing. She lived a full life and with her last words, on stage and in life, she proclaimed the goodness of God. Her impact on this world is undeniable, and we will carry on her legacy of advocacy and praise.”

The family has requested privacy.

Funeral arrangements are pending.