Leanza Cornett, who was crowned Miss America back in 1993, passed away this week after suffering a head injury earlier this month. She was 49 years-old.

The Miss America organization confirmed Cornett’s death on Wednesday.

“It is with great sadness the Miss America Organization relays the news our beloved Miss America and friend, Leanza Cornett, has passed away,” the organization wrote in a Facebook post. “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,” the statement continued.

News 4 reported that Cornett had suffered a head injury on October 12. News of this injury was first released to the public on October 16, when a friend belonging to the Leanza Cornett’s Circle of Love Facebook page wrote that Cornett had sustained a “serious” head injury and was in the ICU. The friend added that the former Miss America had underwent surgery due to brain bleeding.

Though Cornett was born in Virginia, she grew up in Florida and won the title of Miss Florida in 1992 before winning the coveted title of Miss America the next year, according to Fox News.

In the early 1990s, Cornett was the original Ariel in Disney World’s “Voyage of The Little Mermaid.” Her acting credits include appearances on shows like “CSI,” “Weeds,” “Saved By the Bell: The New Class,” and “The Tick.”

Cornett was married to former “Entertainment Tonight” host Mark Steines from 1995 until they divorced in 2013, and they had two sons together: Kai, 18, and Avery, 16. Steines took to Instagram to pay tribute to Cornett on Wednesday night.

“We will always remember the wonderful times shared during her short time here on earth. I find comfort knowing Kai and Avery will forever have the best guardian angel watching over them as they navigate life’s path. I ask that you please keep them as well as Leanza’s parents and her family in your prayers,” Steines captioned a photo of Steines with their sons.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the passing of my ex-wife , Leanza the mother to our two extraordinary sons Kai and Avery. We will always remember the wonderful times shared during her short time here on earth. I find comfort knowing Kai and Avery will forever have the best guardian angel watching over them as they navigate life’s path. I ask that you please keep them as well as Leanza’s parents and her family in your prayers.

A post shared by Mark Steines (@marksteines) on Oct 28, 2020 at 5:16pm PDT