OKALOOSA COUNTY, Florida – Kadance Fredericksen, an 18-year-old from Baker, Florida, tragically died in a car crash on Monday, February 17, 2025. She was driving her sedan eastbound on Highway 4 in Santa Rosa County when her vehicle collided head-on with a tractor-trailer near Hurricane Lake Road at around 1:30 p.m., according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Fredericksen was a former Miss Okaloosa County Teen USA winner and a senior at Baker School. Her community, including Baker School, is mourning her loss, with a candlelight vigil planned for February 19, 2025, to honor her memory.
Kadace was just awarded with a $40,000 scholarship to the school of her choice, the New York Post reported.
“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the tragic loss of Kadance Fredericksen, an exceptional young woman, senior at Baker School, and founder of “Kada’s Promise.” Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and all those who knew and loved her. We also offer our deepest condolences to the students, staff, faculty, and the entire Baker Community as we come together in grief during this incredibly difficult time,” said Baker School Principal Michael J. Martello on Facebook.
“Kadance was a beacon of light in our community, known for her compassion, tireless advocacy for children in need, and unwavering dedication to making a difference. Through her efforts with Kada’s Promise, she brought hope and comfort to thousands of children experiencing trauma, collecting and distributing over 12,000 teddy bears and blankets to children in need. Her work inspired us all, and her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched.”