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Durham, N.C. — In a sorrowful turn of events, former Miss North Carolina 2024, Carrie Everett, has passed away on Monday morning after a battle with cancer.
Surrounded by her loved ones, the 22-year-old breathed her last in the Seattle area, according to her family’s announcement.
Everett had been diagnosed in 2024 with a rare and aggressive cancer known as signet ring cell carcinoma. Following her diagnosis, she made the decision to return to her home in Washington state to be close to her family during this challenging time.
The pageant titleholder was pursuing her studies at North Carolina Central University in Durham.
Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon shared the heart-wrenching news with the university’s student community through an official statement.
“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,” wrote Chancellor Dixon. “Carrie will be remembered as a trailblazer who shared her inspirational talent and leadership with so many. As a sophomore in 2024, she became the first current HBCU student to be named Miss North Carolina. Her platform, We Need Equity to Build Communities, sought to make pageants more accessible to young people. Her work to recruit young women who may not consider pageants due to the expensive entry fees and wardrobes was commendable. Carrie selected NCCU because of the university’s music program – she enjoyed singing gospel music – and regularly graced NCCU occasions with her beautiful singing voice. Her ambition, grace, tenacity and talent will be deeply 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.
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