American Fork Mourns Loss of Beauty Queen Brynn Carnesecca

The American Fork community is mourning the loss of Brynn Carnesecca, a 21-year-old beauty pageant competitor and community activist who died by suicide. Her death came just weeks before she was scheduled to compete at Miss Provo on August 22.

Friends and family gathered at a candlelight vigil in American Fork on Tuesday, July 28, to celebrate Carnesecca's life and contributions to the community.

"She took her own precious life, but she is more than what happened to her," Michele Carnesecca, Brynn's mother, told KSL News at the vigil. "We would like to celebrate the amazing life she lived."

Michele Carnesecca described her daughter as someone whose life centered on helping others. "Oh, how she loved to laugh," she told KSL News. "What sets Brynn apart is that her life was all about service."

She added, "Brynn loved her family and friends fiercely and was always there when you needed her. She was so loved."

Carnesecca earned the Miss American Fork crown in 2024 and received the Miss Congeniality Award from fellow competitors at Miss Utah in 2025. Her accomplishments extended beyond pageantry into journalism and community activism.

In 2024, Carnesecca established Envelopes of Hope, an initiative designed to build connections between community members and incarcerated individuals through letter-writing. The program aimed to foster empathy and understanding across social divides.

Speaking about the program in September 2025, Carnesecca told KSTU: "I've seen so many lives change and how much empathy and connection can be built through these letters. As we reach out through this program, our worldview expands, and I've seen some amazing friendships take shape."

The Miss American Fork organization paid tribute to Carnesecca in a statement posted to Instagram on Monday, July 27. "Our forever Miss American Fork 2024, Brynn Carnesecca has passed away," the organization wrote. "She made a great impact on our community and beyond and are grateful for her memory and impression on the Miss American Fork organization. We are deeply touched from her loss."

Carnesecca also volunteered with Utah Miss Amazing, an organization dedicated to building self-esteem among young women and girls with disabilities. The organization released a statement honoring her memory.

"Brynn's kindness, compassion, and genuine heart made a lasting impact on everyone she met. She had a beautiful way of making our queens feel seen, supported, and loved. Whether she was cheering someone on, sharing a smile, or simply being present, Brynn embodied what Miss Amazing is all about," the Utah Miss Amazing statement read. "We are so grateful for the time she spent with our Utah Miss Amazing family. Her light will continue to shine through the lives she touched and the memories we will forever cherish."

Kassidy Jackman Murdoch, Carnesecca's cousin, established a GoFundMe page to assist the family with funeral expenses and memorial costs. The fundraiser has collected more than $28,000 as of publication.

"Our family is heartbroken by Brynn's unexpected passing. 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," Jackman Murdoch wrote on the fundraising page.

The statement continued: "Your support will help the family cover funeral expenses, create a memorial that truly honors Brynn, and provide comfort to her loved ones as we navigate this difficult time. We are grateful for any help you can offer. Please consider donating or sharing this fundraiser to help us honor Brynn and support our family."

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.