Heartbreaking news just in. Former Miss America, Leanza Cornett, has tragically died.
The Miss America Organization confirmed that Cornett, who won Miss America before going onto a career in television, passed away.
A post on the official Miss America Organization page confirmed the heartbreaking news.
Praying for you @LeanzaCornett and your family. Love you.
— Jeni (@JeniJ28) October 29, 2020
The post read:
It is with great sadness the Miss America Organization relays the news our beloved Miss America and friend, Leanza Cornett, has passed away.
Leanza had a bright and beautiful spirit and her laugh was infectious. We know she meant so much to so many, including all of you. We are devastated by this sudden loss in our Miss America family and we are deeply sorry for her family and close friends for their loss.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for all family & friends of Leanza Cornett, who passed today in Jacksonville after an accident few weeks ago. She was Miss America 1993 & I had known her from our schools days in BSG. Such a sweet, sweet person. Rest easy, Leanza. Fly high. pic.twitter.com/KB00eG6V49
— David Moore (@davidmoore_7) October 29, 2020
Cornett was born in Virginia and raised in Florida. In 1992 she won the Miss Florida pageant, before going on to win the national title the following year.
Cornett married actor and former Entertainment Tonight host Mark Steines in 1995 and later divorced in 2013. They shared two sons: Kai, 18, and Avery, 16.
She was just 49 at the time of her death.
Though no cause of death was reported, Cornett suffered a traumatic brain injury earlier this month.
Rest in peace Leanza.
