Tragedy struck on 17 February afternoon when 18-year-old Kadance Fredericksen from Baker Schoool lost her life in a head-on collision with a tractor-trailer in Santa Rosa County.
Kadance Fredericksen was getting in shape for the Miss Florida Teen USA 2025 competition with Angelo’s fitness program.
Highlights
- Kirsten Regalado remembered Kadance as her lifelong friend and said the pain of losing her was unimaginable.
- Kadance had a tough start in life, facing abuse, neglect, and often finding herself without a stable home.
- She created Kada’s Promise because she believed no one should have to endure what she went through.
In 2024, she placed second runner-up in the Miss Teen Florida competition after making it to the top 15.
The same year, she announced that she would return to the Miss Florida USA stage as Miss Okaloosa County Teen USA.
In her short 18 years, Kadance wrote her own children’s book, created and worked hard on her nonprofit, Kada’s Promise, and overcame childhood abuse with beauty and grace.
The accident occurred around 1:30 p.m. in the Munson area, on Highway 4 near Hurricane Lake Road.
Florida Highway Patrol reports that the 56-year-old driver of the tractor-trailer, a man from Milton, sustained only minor injuries in the crash.
Friends And Family Mourns The Loss Of Kadance Fredericksen
Kirsten Regalado remembered Kadance as her lifelong friend, sister, and queen. She described Kadance as a bright light in their lives, and the pain of losing her is unimaginable.
Still in disbelief, Kirsten cherished their memories, including dressing Kadance, meeting with Liza and Jorge in Miami, and traveling North for fittings, outfit repairs, and rehearsals.
I am overwhelmed with sadness. Kadance, my lifelong friend, my sister, my queen—you were a light in our lives, and the pain of losing you is unimaginable.
Kirsten Regalado
I am still in denial—I can’t believe you’re gone too soon. My heart aches, but I find comfort in knowing that God is welcoming you with open arms. You were kind, honest, loving, and giving—and a true inspiration to us all.
Today, heaven gained a beautiful angel, and our hearts are completely shattered. Kadance, you are and will always be my radiant model. I will forever cherish the memories we shared—dressing you, meeting in Miami with Liza and Jorge, and driving up North for fittings, outfit repairs and rehearsals. Those moments will stay with me always.
Similarly, Kristin Tugmon expressed how Kadance touched so many lives, and the devastating news of her passing left her heartbroken.
This young lady Kadance Fredericksen is truly inspirational in all ways. From the very first pageant I witnessed her walk across stage to the last one I watched online says it all. Her testimony is one of kind and I will forever admire her. From being an amazing role model to others, writing your own book and carrying an amazing platform Kada’s Promise, you have and will always touch so many hearts. The devastating news of her passing this afternoon is heart wrenching and all I can think about is Matt Lisa Fred. You have a beautiful angel and we love you! Seeing alll of her pictures posted and kind words just shows how many hearts she touched. Fly high gorgeous
Kristin Tugmon
Kadance experienced abuse, neglect, and often homelessness during her early years.
She was eventually taken out of her home by her biological father and stepmother, who later adopted her.
Then, Kadance created Kada’s Promise because she believed no one should have to endure what she went through, and it served as a way for her to show she had overcome her past.
Thus, Kandace’s coach, Michelle Watts, expressed that she profoundly impacted everyone around her with her positivity, kindness, and light.
I never thought I would have to make this post…
Michelle Watts
As I Coach, certain individuals who come through my door coach me without even realizing it. Kadance Fredericksen was a shining example of one of them. Her presence had a profound impact, spreading light, help and positivity to all those around her. The love and nurturing she received from her mom played a significant role in shaping her into the remarkable person she became, embodying the same selfless love that Jesus shows us all. In her short 18 years on earth she wrote her own children’s book, created and worked hard on her nonprofit organization called Kada’s Promise, AND overcame child abuse with beauty and grace unlike anything I’ve ever seen.
Please keep her precious mom, dad and siblings in your prayers. 🙏💔
Let your “life song” continue to sing…
Additional Information
- She celebrated her 18th birthday on December 4, 2024.
- In 2015, Kadance met a 4-year-old girl named Peyton, who was battling cancer, and since then, she has hosted a “Go Gold” day at her school every September to raise awareness for more research, safer treatments, and cures.
- In 2020, Kadance shared that both she and her brother have asthma, so they had been staying home for a few weeks.
- She has raised over $25,000 for the Ronald McDonald House and her organization, Kada’s Promise.
