Carrie Everett, who was crowned Miss North Carolina in 2024, has died at age 22 after battling a rare and aggressive form of stomach cancer, according to her family’s GoFundMe.
Everett passed away on Easter Sunday following a diagnosis of metastatic signet ring cell carcinoma, a fast-moving cancer that originates in the stomach.
A student at North Carolina Central University, she majored in vocal performance and used her platform to advocate for greater access to opportunity.
In July 2025, scans revealed masses in her abdomen. By March, her family shared that chemotherapy was no longer working and began exploring out-of-state treatment options.
Everett made history as the fourth Black woman to win the Miss North Carolina title since 1937. She often spoke about growing up as the child of immigrants and overcoming financial challenges, including wearing borrowed and thrifted gowns during competitions.
She hoped to build a future focused on expanding educational opportunities for young girls.
Her diagnosis was especially rare, as signet ring cell carcinoma is most commonly found in adults around age 40.
Everett’s story has resonated across North Carolina, leaving a lasting impact through her advocacy, resilience, and commitment to helping others.
