21-year-old pageant queen dies by suicide just weeks before next competition

A former pageant star tragically died by suicide Sunday — just weeks before she was scheduled to compete again.

Brynn Carnesecca, 21, “took her own precious life,” her heartbroken mother, Michele Carnesecca, told KSL at a somber, candlelight vigil in American Fork, Utah, where attendees wore yellow in her daughter’s memory on Tuesday evening.

“But she is more than what happened to her,” the mom said. “We would like to celebrate the amazing life she lived.”

Carnesecca was crowned Miss American Fork, a regional pageant in the wider state competition, in 2024 and was crowned Miss Congeniality in last year’s Miss Utah pageant.

She was due to compete in the Miss Provo competition in August, according to her Instagram bio.

She was also an accomplished journalist, having worked at the local TV station and had her work published in several newspapers, according to her mother.

She started a nonprofit, Envelopes of Hope, as a community service initiative during her bid for Miss Utah.

The program connected incarcerated persons and the public through a pen-pal service.

“I’ve seen so many lives change and how much empathy and connection can be built through these letters,” she told KSTU at the time. “As we reach out through this program, our worldview expands, and I’ve seen some amazing friendships take shape.”

Michele Carnesecca described her daughter as “gifted and talented.”

“Oh, how she loved to laugh,” she said. “What sets Brynn apart is that her life was all about service. She loved serving as Miss American Fork … and she was always doing quiet acts of service.”

The Miss American Fork organization said in a heartfelt social media post that her “beautiful smile, your kindness, your passion, and the way you supported everyone around you will never be forgotten.”

“Brynn, your legacy will live on through every crown, every sash, and every young woman who gets to represent Miss American Fork after you. You will always be a part of this title’s story,” the post read.

Carnesecca’s cousin launched a GoFundMe to raise money for the family’s funeral expenses.

“Brynn touched countless lives through her work and her generosity, and we hope to celebrate her legacy with a meaningful memorial,” Kassidy Jackman Murdoch wrote on the page.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.