The world was stunned by the heartbreaking news of Kadance Fredericksen’s untimely passing at the young age of 18. A shining light in the world of pageantry and charity, Kadance was a vibrant teenager who had dreams as big as her heart. Known for her compassion, ambition, and generosity, she aspired to become a veterinarian and had already made a profound impact on her community. Her sudden death has left family, friends, and the broader community mourning a life that ended far too soon.
Kadance Fredericksen was a bright, ambitious young woman who had her whole life ahead of her. As a pageant contestant, she competed for the Miss Florida Teen USA Crown and held the prestigious title of Miss Okaloosa County Teen. Her radiant smile and charismatic personality made her a beloved figure within the pageant community. But beyond the glitz and glamour, Kadance was a determined student who had been accepted to nine different colleges, eagerly looking forward to the future. Her ultimate dream was to become a veterinarian, a testament to her deep love for animals and her nurturing spirit.
Tragically, just days before her untimely death, Kadance interviewed for the presidential scholarship at Mississippi State University. This full-ride scholarship was a recognition of her academic achievements, leadership qualities, and unwavering dedication to her dreams. She was awarded the scholarship, a moment that should have marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her life. But fate had other plans, leaving her loved ones grappling with unimaginable grief and loss.
Following the heartbreaking news of her passing, social media was flooded with messages of love and sorrow. Her Instagram profile became a memorial, with friends, family, and even strangers paying tribute to her life and legacy. One heartfelt message read, “Rest in peace sweet girl. My heart is broken.” Another follower wrote, “Forever in my heart. Will never forget you!” These touching words reflect the deep emotional impact Kadance had on those who knew her.
The outpouring of love didn’t stop there. Countless others expressed their condolences, sharing memories of her kindness and selflessness. One user poignantly wrote, “Heartbreaking that we have all lost this beautiful, amazing girl who helped so many people, especially the children. Rest easy, beautiful girl.” Another added, “My heart and prayers go out to the whole family. Rest in peace, gorgeous.” It was clear that Kadance wasn’t just admired for her beauty or her pageant titles, but for the warmth, generosity, and love she gave to the world.
Kadance’s life was not without its challenges. She experienced abuse in her early childhood, a painful reality that shaped her journey but never defined her spirit. In 2017, she was formally adopted by her stepmother, Lisa Fredericksen, who became a pillar of love and support in her life. Despite the trauma of her past, Kadance emerged stronger, finding healing through therapy and community involvement. Her resilience and courage were an inspiration to many, proving that adversity could be transformed into purpose and hope.
Her foray into the world of pageantry was a pivotal moment in her life. According to Lisa, Kadance decided to pursue pageantry after years of therapy as a way to rebuild her confidence and find her voice. In a heartfelt interview, Lisa recalled, “She came home one day and she said, ‘Mama, can I do a beauty pageant?’ And I said, ‘Well, yeah, but if you do a beauty pageant, you have to talk in front of people,’ because she still didn’t talk a whole lot. And she did it. She bought the ugliest dress she could find because she just wanted to be like a princess. She didn’t win a thing, but she was hooked.” This moment marked the beginning of a journey that would change her life.
Beyond her achievements in pageantry, Kadance was known for her remarkable commitment to charity work. She dedicated thousands of hours to volunteering with the Ronald McDonald House, where she made a difference in the lives of countless families. Her compassion and empathy knew no bounds. She even hosted an annual lemonade stand, raising over $25,000 to support children in need. Her generosity and selflessness left an indelible mark on her community.
Kadance’s legacy of giving didn’t end there. She went on to create her own charitable organization called “Kada’s Promise.” This initiative was born out of her desire to bring comfort and hope to vulnerable children. Through Kada’s Promise, she donated teddy bears and blankets to children in foster care, homeless shelters, abuse shelters, and hospitals. Her vision was to provide a sense of security and love to children facing difficult circumstances, reflecting her own experiences of overcoming adversity.
Tragically, Kadance’s life was cut short on February 17 in a car crash in Santa Rosa County. According to reports, her vehicle collided with a tractor-trailer at around 1:30 p.m. on State Road 4 and Hurricane Lake Road. The Florida Highway Patrol confirmed the accident but did not publicly identify her by name. Authorities stated that her vehicle crossed the center lane and entered the eastbound lane for unknown reasons before striking the tractor-trailer. The other driver, a 56-year-old man from Milton, sustained minor injuries.
In the wake of her tragic passing, the pageant community came together to honor her memory. Miss Florida and Teen Florida USA Family released a heartfelt statement, saying, “Our pageant community has lost a beautiful soul – one who was a true light in this world. She was ambitious, driven, kind, and a leader among her pageant sisters. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and all who are mourning this devastating loss. May we honor her memory by carrying forward the light she so effortlessly shared with the world and our Florida pageant community.”
Kadance’s family is determined to keep her legacy alive. They have encouraged people to bring teddy bears to her funeral on February 22, in honor of her charity work. Donations can also be made to Kada’s Promise to continue her mission of spreading love and hope. A GoFundMe page has been launched to support the family and ensure Kadance’s dreams live on, even though she is no longer here. Her stepmom poignantly expressed, “We want the whole world to know who Kadance is. We want to continue touching as many lives as we can, even though she’s not here.”