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Pageant queen Brynn Carnesecca has died by suicide aged 21 just weeks before her next competition.

Brynn, from Utah, was crowned Miss American Fork - a regional pageant as part of a wider state competition - in 2024 and Miss Congeniality in the Miss Utah pageant in 2025.

She was set to next compete during the Miss Provo competition on August 22, according to her Instagram bio.

During a candlelit vigil on Tuesday, mom Michele told KSL: 'She took her own precious life, but she is more than what happened to her.

'We would like to celebrate the amazing life she lived.'

Brynn, who was set to graduate from Brigham Young University in 2028, was known as a pianist and aspiring journalist.

She had previously worked at a local TV station and been published in several newspapers including American Fork Citizen, the Lehi Free Press, Utah Valley Magazine and Good Things Utah.

The Miss American Fork organization put out a statement on Instagram to honor Brynn.

Pageant queen Brynn Carnesecca has died by suicide aged 21 just weeks before her next competition

It read: 'There are no words to express the heartbreak of losing you, Brynn.

'Your beautiful smile, your kindness, your passion, and the way you supported everyone around you will never be forgotten.

'You left the biggest shoes to fill for every Miss American Fork who comes after you.'

A GoFundMe has also since been set up to cover Brynn's funeral expenses.

Her cousin, Kassidy Jackman Murdoch, wrote that she had been a 'bright light in our family and community.'

'Brynn dedicated herself to sharing stories and spreading kindness.

'Her passion for helping others was evident in everything she did,' she added.

The GoFundMe has so far raised nearly $27,400 of its $40,000 goal.

She was set to next compete during the Miss Provo competition on August 22, according to her Instagram bio

Brynn, from Utah, was crowned Miss American Fork - a regional pageant as part of a wider state competition - in 2024 and Miss Congeniality in the Miss Utah pageant in 2025

'Our family is heartbroken by Brynn's unexpected passing,' Murdoch continued.

'We want to honor her memory in a way that reflects her spirit and the love she gave to so many.

'Brynn touched countless lives through her work and her generosity, and we hope to celebrate her legacy with a meaningful memorial.'

If you are struggling, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.