Brynn Carnesecca, a former Miss American Fork pageant queen, aspiring journalist and accomplished pianist, died by suicide on Sunday, July 26, her family confirmed. She was 21.
Carnesecca was crowned Miss American Fork in 2024, a regional competition within the Miss America Utah organization. She later received the Miss Congeniality title while competing in the 2025 Miss America Utah pageant.
Her Instagram biography indicated that she had been preparing to compete in the Miss Provo pageant on Aug. 22.
To the people who knew her best, Carnesecca was far more than a pageant titleholder. She was remembered as a gifted writer, dedicated student, talented pianist and compassionate young woman who dreamed of building a career in journalism.
Her mother, Michele Carnesecca, said she wants her daughter to be remembered for the “amazing life she lived,” rather than only for the circumstances surrounding her death.
“She took her own precious life, but she is more than what happened to her,” Michele told Utah news outlet KSL, where Brynn had worked as an intern during the summer of 2025.
Friends, relatives and members of the community gathered at the American Fork Amphitheater on Tuesday, July 28, for a vigil honoring Carnesecca. Attendees wore yellow in her memory and wrote personal notes celebrating her life and the impact she had on others.
Carnesecca’s journalism work had already appeared in several publications and media outlets, including the American Fork Citizen, Lehi Free Press, Utah Valley Magazine, Good Things Utah and Brigham Young University’s student newspaper, The Daily Universe.
She had been studying at BYU and was expected to graduate in 2028, according to her LinkedIn profile.
“She was an incredible writer and reader from a young age,” her mother said.
The Miss American Fork organization also shared an emotional tribute to Carnesecca on Instagram, remembering her kindness, passion and unwavering support for those around her.
“There are no words to express the heartbreak of losing you, Brynn,” the organization wrote. “Your beautiful smile, your kindness, your passion, and the way you supported everyone around you will never be forgotten.”
The tribute continued by saying Carnesecca had left “the biggest shoes to fill” for every future Miss American Fork.
“I have always looked up to you, and I am so grateful that I got to know you, learn from you, and experience the love and encouragement you gave so freely,” the post said.
Carnesecca’s cousin, Kassidy Jackman Murdoch, created a GoFundMe to help the family cover funeral expenses and organize a memorial reflecting Brynn’s life and legacy.
Murdoch described Carnesecca as a “bright light in our family and community” who devoted herself to telling stories, helping others and spreading kindness.
“Her passion for helping others was evident in everything she did,” Murdoch wrote.
The fundraiser has collected nearly $27,000 toward its $40,000 goal.
“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.”
She added that Carnesecca touched countless lives through both her professional work and her generosity.
Friends also returned to the final post on Carnesecca’s Instagram page to leave messages of love and grief.
“Love you always Brynn,” one person wrote.
“Missing you so much, Brynn,” another added.
Anyone in the United States who is struggling or experiencing a mental health crisis can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.