A close-knit community in Florida is coming together to grieve the tragic loss of an incredibly talented young woman.

Kadance Fredericksen, who recently earned the prestigious title of Miss Okaloosa County Teen USA 2024 and participated as a delegate in the Miss Florida Teen USA 2024 pageant, tragically passed away following a devastating traffic accident in Florida. Her family confirmed the heartbreaking news to WKRG. At just 18 years old, her potential and aspirations seemed limitless.

The unfortunate incident occurred when the teenager?s sedan was involved in a head-on collision with a tractor-trailer around 1:30 p.m. in Santa Rosa County, Fla., on February 17. Reports indicate that the 56-year-old driver of the other vehicle only sustained minor injuries. This information was corroborated by a Florida Highway Patrol crash report, as reported by WKRG News 5.

In the wake of Kadance?s untimely passing, E! News has reached out to local authorities for further details but is yet to receive a response regarding the circumstances surrounding her death.

In a poignant statement to WKRG, Kadance?s family shared that she had received acceptance letters from nine universities and had dreams of pursuing a career as a veterinarian. They described her as ?absolutely perfect? and reflected on how she seemed to have ?the whole world at the palm of her hands.? The loss of such a bright and promising life has deeply affected those who knew her.

The organization of Miss Florida USA also expressed their condolences, mourning the sudden and tragic loss of this remarkable high school student.