Kadance Fredericksen, a bright and ambitious young woman who had already made a name for herself in the pageant world, tragically lost her life in a horrific car crash in Florida.
The 18-year-old, who had represented Okaloosa County at the 2024 Miss Florida Teen USA pageant, was driving when her vehicle collided head-on with a tractor-trailer in Santa Rosa County on February 17.
The news of her untimely passing has left her family, friends, and the pageant community heartbroken as they mourn the loss of a young woman who had so much promise and potential.
A Life of Dedication and Compassion
Kadance Fredericksen was not only known for her grace and beauty but also for her dedication to making a difference in the lives of others. She had already been accepted into nine colleges and had dreams of becoming a veterinarian. Her passion for helping others was evident in her tireless advocacy for children in need.
In 2017, she founded a charitable organization called “Kada’s Promise,” which aimed to provide comfort to children in foster care, homeless shelters, abuse shelters, and hospitals. Through this initiative, she collected teddy bears and blankets to offer warmth and a sense of security to children facing hardships.
Her inspiration for the initiative came from her own difficult childhood. Kadance had experienced hunger, homelessness, and abuse at a young age. Her mother was abusive, and she struggled to find a safe space during her early years.
In the midst of her struggles, she found solace in a single teddy bear—a simple gift that became her source of comfort during her darkest moments. Understanding the power of such a small gesture, she dedicated her life to making sure other children in similar situations had something to hold onto, something to remind them they were not alone.
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Her biological father and stepmother later gained custody of her, and in 2017, her stepmother officially adopted her. With her new family, she found the love and support she needed to heal and grow into the compassionate and driven young woman she became.
A Devastating Loss for the Pageant Community
Kadance Fredericksen was deeply loved and respected in the pageant community. As news of her passing spread, tributes poured in from those who knew her best. The Miss Florida and Teen Florida USA organization released a heartfelt statement, mourning the loss of a young woman who had been “a true light in this world.”
They described her as ambitious, driven, kind, and a leader among her pageant sisters. They also expressed their commitment to honoring her memory by continuing the legacy of kindness and advocacy that she so effortlessly embodied.
Tragic final post of Miss Teen USA Kadance Fredericksen, 18, killed in car crash. pic.twitter.com/qnatfKTtJz
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) February 19, 2025
The principal of Baker School, Michael Martello, also spoke about Kadance Fredericksen’s impact on her community. He described her as a beacon of light, someone who was known for her compassion and unwavering dedication to helping others.
Her tragic passing has left a void in the lives of those who knew her, but her legacy of kindness and generosity will continue to inspire many. A candlelight vigil was organized in her honor, set to take place on February 19 at the Baker School football stadium.
Those attending were asked to bring teddy bears in her memory, a touching tribute to the young woman who had spent years collecting them for children in need. This gesture not only honored Kadance’s life but also reinforced the importance of her mission to bring comfort to those facing hardships.
Remembering Kadance’s Legacy
Kadance’s story is one of resilience, strength, and the power of kindness. Despite the hardships she faced in her early years, she refused to let her past define her future. Instead, she used her experiences to fuel her passion for helping others, ensuring that no child would feel alone or forgotten. Her dedication to her advocacy work and her unwavering spirit made her a role model to many.
Her tragic passing serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. She had the whole world ahead of her, with dreams and aspirations that were cut short far too soon. But even in her brief 18 years, she left behind a legacy that will continue to touch lives for years to come.
Kadance Fredericksen’s family, friends, and the entire pageant community will forever remember her as a young woman who shined brightly in every aspect of her life. As they come together to mourn her loss, they also celebrate the beautiful soul she was and the impact she had on so many. Her life may have been short, but the love and kindness she spread will never be forgotten.